Stay Focused and Motivated with Positive Words of Affirmation

Kitchen Corner

Cucumber Salad

As we pursue our goals, we will most likely face obstacles along the way, obstacles that can affect our confidence and leave us with selfdoubt. Filling your mind with positivity generates the energy necessary to push yourself to the next level, whether that means starting a new healthy habit, reducing stress levels, or making a career change.

Positive affirmations are words of inspiration that you can use to silence those negative thoughts. A positive affirmation is like a mini mantra that you can repeat to yourself throughout the day to stay focused, driven, and motivated.

One of the most powerful concepts in the world of self-improvement is the positive affirmation. Using positive affirmation techniques allows us to see the positive in even the direst of circumstances, and this positive outlook can, in turn, will enable us to attain our goals and achieve our most ambitious dreams. A big part of learning positive affirmation techniques is turning a negative into a positive.

Learning to see the glass as half-full instead of half-empty can have a farranging impact on our lives, and this ability to focus on the positive is incredibly powerful.

Consider the following examples and learn to see the positive in every negative situation.

•Negative thought – I hate working around the house.

•Positive alternative – I have a beautiful home, and I want it to look its best.

•Negative thought – I pay too much in income taxes.

•Positive alternative – I have a great job that pays me a good income.

•Negative thought – I am too fat.

•Positive alternative – I have plenty of food and many healthy alternatives.

•Negative thought – I pay too much for my heat and air conditioning.

•Positive alternative – My home is warm in the wintertime and cool in the summer.

•Negative thought – I got stuck with a lousy parking spot.

•Positive alternative – I have a car, and I can walk.

The key to turning these negatives into positives is to recognize and see the negative thought from a positive perspective. Learning to examine your negative feelings and turn them into something positive may take a while, but there are many advantages.

Understanding the power of positive affirmation is well worth the time invested. Remember always: there is power in positive thinking.l

This cucumber salad is refreshing and delicious! A sweet vinegar dressing is boiled, then poured over thinly sliced cucumbers to ensure the best flavor. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature. JSCHMAND, AllRecipes.com

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade cucumber salad recipe:

•Cucumbers: Start with four thinly sliced cucumbers.

•Onion: A thinly sliced white onion lends flavor and texture.

•Vinegar: A cup of white vinegar gives the cucumber salad a bright flavor.

•Sugar: White sugar lends subtle sweetness.

Water: You’ll need ½ cup of water.

•Dill: Dried dill takes the flavor up a notch.

•¾ pound mixed salad greens

How to Make a Cucumber Salad

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below – but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this cucumber salad:

1. Toss the cucumber and onion slices together.

2. Boil the vinegar, water, and sugar.

3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and onions.

4. Stir in the dill and let marinate before serving.

Tip from JSCHMAND:

“For a pretty salad, peel only half of each cucumber, leaving strips of skin on each.”

Can You Make Cucumber Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes! Making the cucumber salad ahead of time will allow the ingredients to meld, resulting in a bolder flavor. You can prepare the recipe up to two days in advance – store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.l

Nutrition Facts

Per serving:

Calories: 99

Fat: 0g

Carbs: 25g

Protein: 1g

Serving: 8

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 5 mins

Additional Time: 1 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 mins

How to Store Cucumber Salad

While the flavor will strengthen with time, the cucumbers will lose their crispness after a few days. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for four to five days.

“A delicious summertime recipe to beat the heat,” says HenClaire.”