Power to the P3s!

#MagnificentMondays#10: Best advise Suze Orman ever gave me!

Quote of the week: Say your name with pride and confidence. Suze Orman

Rumination: Suze Orman makes an excellent point: when most men say their names, it is clear, concise and confident. Usually there is a firm handshake, and a business card in hand as well. On the other hand, many women are much more reticent, hesitating or hemming over their name, voice dropping, broken eye contact. Suze Orman says to say your name with confidence. One of my friends rolled her eyes at this; she hates her given name. But, as I pointed out, she made lemonade out of that: she uses her first initial and last name, and it works out elegantly. Other friends use nicknames, or create new names, especially for work. Whatever route that you choose, the crux of the matter is to present yourself, and your name, with confidence, respect and passion. After all, if you don't get behind your name, who will?

Mantra: My main name is power.

Recipe: Lemongrass and ginger Iced Tea

Lemongrass and ginger infuse this lightly sweetened, refreshing iced tea with subtle flavor.

Serves 6 to 8.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup, plus 4 cups, plus 3 cups water
1 large stalk lemongrass, dry tops and tough outer leaves removed, stalk cut into small rounds (about 1/4 cup)
1-inch x 2 inch knob of ginger, peeled and chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
4 mild black teabags, such as Darjeeling or Assam
Ice for serving
Preparation:
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, 1/2 cup water, lemongrass and ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to the dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the lemongrass and ginger to steep in the sugar syrup for at least half an hour. For more pronounced flavor, place in the refrigerator and allow to steep several hours or overnight.

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the teabags, turn off the heat, and allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes. Squeeze out the teabags and discard. Pour the brewed tea into a heat-proof pitcher.

Strain the lemongrass ginger syrup through a small sieve, pressing on the solids to extract as much flavor as possible. Discard the solids, and add the syrup to the pitcher of tea. Add three cups of cold water to the tea, and stir well. Chill the tea, and serve over ice. Enjoy!

Exercise: Smile!

!. Take a pencil.
2. Hold it between your teeth, held horizontally for 20 seconds.
3. Recite: I am happy, content and at peace.
4. Release pencil.
5. Repeat 5-9 times per day.

Salutation: Being happy with who we are, what we call ourselves, how we look, how we feel...sometimes it is almost impossible. No matter what the odds, look into that mirror and say with confidence and pride: "Hello, my name is ..."

Bis vivit qui bene vivit,

Doula Angelita
San Jose's Community Doula