I don’t necessarily have a goal to keep this space upbeat and positive, but I am a generally happy person and so that’s what is reflected here. I also do hesitate to write too much about personal struggles etc. because I always worry I’ll come off as whiny or complaining, and in general the things I have to complain about are fairly easily remedied.

However, being honest and transparent is really important to me, and so if I’m just not feeling it, I don’t want to pretend that I am. I’m sure I could write a post about the coming spring weather and the exciting outdoor adventures to come (and I probably WILL write about that in the near future), but to be honest I’m feeling a little glum lately.

I guess you could pin it all on SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and maybe that is part of it, but if I am being really truly honest, I am finding it so hard to work a full-time job. I feel like I’ve lost so much freedom and it’s really getting me down.

I want to talk about this because I am just so sure a lot of you out there can relate. When I spoke about finishing school I got so many lovely messages from all of you – some were notes of encouragement and others were from folks in the same position as me who related to my words and experience. It is hard. It is also hard to realize and accept that it is hard. I always have trouble accepting when I don’t feel my best, especially if it is because of something I feel I should be grateful for. I am in such a privileged position – I have an undergrad degree, a full-time job that pays well, the best boyfriend I could ask for, a loving family, endlessly supportive friends – and yet this new part of my life isn’t making me happy. I feel so much loss for the days where I would have one or two classes and get to plan my own day accordingly. I decided when I studied, read, ate meals, met up with friends, even made recipes for this blog. Now my whole life is scheduled around being at work, and the few blissful hours of daylight before evening sets in, and the routine of sleep, wake, work starts all over again. I get that this is life for a lot of people, but I am realizing I need to think ahead to find a path that works better for me.

Anyways, I am actually very okay. I want to stress that. I just feel a bit boring and a bit bored. And I think that it’s important to admit that sometimes.

Moving on. This salad recipe is enthusiastic, filling, and fresh all at once! I am a big fan of meal salads and the sesame and citrus theme is one of my favorites. The cabbage gets salty and crispy in the oven, while the roasted grapefruit is warm and bursting with sweet juice. Quinoa adds a more substantial element here, and the nutty tempeh is a good dose of protein for all those vegans out there. Let me know if you try out this recipe, I love seeing your comments and pics!

Have a great week babes and hang in there with me. If you’re feeling a little down feel free to send me a message! I am always here to talk.

Roasted Sesame Cabbage Grapefruit Salad

Serves four

This recipe calls for cooked quinoa so make sure you start that at the beginning if you don’t already have it on hand. If you’re not a fan of tempeh, tofu would work well in this recipe too, although I personally like the soft and nutty flavor of the tempeh here.

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Last updated and verified on August 24th, 2022 by our editorial team.

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