Can you believe 2016 is drawing to a close?  It is time to start a NEW YEAR and I, for one, am so excited to have the opportunity for a fresh start.

Actually, it has been a great year!  I finished my 3rd book, Eat Well to Be Well, our JTA Wellness practice has doubled in size allowing us to care for more people than ever before, and I am surrounded by the most amazing staff of people anywhere.  Even though I have more blessings than I could ever count, isn’t it funny how the opportunity for fresh ideas, new opportunities and personal growth bring a fresh enthusiasm to our lives?

As you think about closing out 2016 and starting fresh in 2017, I want to encourage you to dare to dream!  Maybe this is your year to

  • reclaim good health
  • increase your physical fitness
  • learn a new skill
  • find that perfect job
  • learn healthy ways to manage your stress
  • be a friend to someone who needs a friend
  • practice random acts of kindness
  • be the hands and feet of Jesus to someone who could use a glimmer of light and hope in their life

I encourage you to use these last few days of 2016 to contemplate changes you can make to stretch and grow into the person you want to become!  I hope your holiday season is spent with family and friends sharing love and laughter and the wonderful joys of Christmas!

The recipe today is Orange Cranberry Bread Pudding with Warm Butter Sauce.  What a beautiful way to end your meal – a dessert full of the warm gooey goodness of the holidays!  Remember, the art of mindful eating is learning to savor every delicious bite, stopping to reflect on the aroma, the warmth, the sweetness, and the crisp buttery crust.  When you make every bite your best, a small portion goes a long way to satisfy your holiday sweet tooth!