These almond butter chocolate coconut bars celebrate richness and simplicity

Sweet treats don’t have to rely on refined flour or processed sugars to feel indulgent and comforting. In a world where dessert is often associated with excess, simple whole-food ingredients can transform everyday moments into something both nourishing and delicious.

These almond butter chocolate coconut bars celebrate richness and simplicity. Naturally gluten-free and made with wholesome ingredients like almond butter, coconut, and dark chocolate, they deliver a satisfying balance of creamy, nutty, and lightly sweet flavors. It’s the kind of dessert that feels decadent yet nourishing—perfect as an afternoon pick-me-up, a post-dinner treat, or a beautiful addition to a wellness-focused lifestyle.

Ingredients (Makes 8–10 bars)

Base Layer:

• 1 cup almond butter (smooth and unsweetened)

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Chocolate Topping:

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher, gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

• 1 tablespoon chopped almonds or shredded coconut (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base mixture
   In a medium bowl, mix almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and sea salt until well combined and slightly thick.

2. Press into the pan
   Line a small baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with parchment paper. Press the mixture evenly into the pan to form a compact base layer.

3. Melt the chocolate topping
   In a small heatproof bowl, melt dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together using a microwave in 20-second intervals or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.

4. Add the chocolate layer
   Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the almond coconut base. Spread gently with a spatula.

5. Chill until firm
   Sprinkle chopped almonds or shredded coconut on top if desired. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 45–60 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.

6. Slice & enjoy
   Remove from the refrigerator, lift out using the parchment paper, and slice into bars or squares.

Serving & Storage Tips

• Enjoy straight from the refrigerator for a firmer, fudge-like texture

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days

• These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or drizzle with melted almond butter before serving

For more recipes like this, check out our app: EatOutHealthy 🍓

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Garden Vegetables.

Comforting meals don’t have to rely on gluten or heavy ingredients to feel deeply satisfying. In a world where convenience foods often dominate the dinner table, simple whole-food recipes remind us that nourishing meals can still be vibrant, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

This lemon herb roasted chicken with garlic vegetables celebrates balance and simplicity. Naturally gluten-free and made with fresh herbs, bright citrus, and wholesome ingredients, it delivers savory comfort while remaining light and nourishing. It’s the kind of dish that works just as beautifully for a quiet weeknight dinner as it does for serving guests—proof that healthy cooking can still feel elegant and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

Chicken

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small chicken thighs)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Roasted Vegetables

• 1 cup zucchini, sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• ½ red onion, sliced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken
   In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
   Add the chicken and coat evenly. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes.

2. Prepare the vegetables
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
   Toss zucchini, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and red onion with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper on a sheet pan.

3. Roast everything together
   Place the marinated chicken on the same sheet pan beside the vegetables.
   Roast for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are lightly caramelized.

4. Finish with brightness
   Remove from oven and squeeze a little extra fresh lemon juice over the chicken for added freshness.

5. Serve & enjoy
   Plate the chicken with roasted vegetables and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serve with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced gluten-free meal

• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days

• Slice the chicken and use it in salads, wraps with gluten-free tortillas, or grain bowls the next day

• Add a drizzle of tahini or avocado sauce for a creamy finish

For more recipes like this, check out our app:

https://apps.apple.com/app/id6749336989

9 Affirmations for Self Belief.

Written by Hali Tsotetsi

Image from Unsplash

One of the hardest things in life is believing in ourselves. This is something that I have been actively healing and working on, believing that I am truly worthy of success, happiness, and a life of wonderment. 

Of course, it’s easier said than done. But every morning, I begin my day with some affirmations to help affirm me of the good that I am capable of and that is around me. 

Here are 9 affirmations for self-belief: 

1. I am worthy of happiness.

2. I am at peace with myself and any mistakes that I have made. 

3. I believe in myself. 

4. I forgive myself for any times that I didn’t get it ‘right’, with understanding that we are allowed to make mistakes. 

5. I may not be perfect, but I am still worthy. 

6. I believe that my best days are ahead of me. 

7. I am capable of overcoming challenging situations.

8. I am worthy of healthy relationships with myself and others. 

9. I embrace a life of abundance and success. 

Healthy No-Bake Gluten-Free Chocolate Tahini Date Bars.

Sweet treats don’t have to come with compromise. In a world where wellness and indulgence are often framed as opposites, gluten-free desserts are quietly rewriting the rules—proving that nourishment can still feel luxurious, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

These no-bake chocolate tahini date bars are a celebration of simplicity and balance. Naturally gluten-free and made with whole, nourishing ingredients, they offer rich chocolate flavor, gentle sweetness, and a grounding dose of healthy fats—without refined sugars or complicated steps. It’s the kind of dessert that fits seamlessly into a mindful lifestyle, whether enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up or a guilt-free after-dinner treat.

Ingredients (Makes 8–10 bars)

Base

• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted

• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats

• ½ cup raw almonds (or almond flour for softer texture)

• 2 tablespoons cacao powder

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

Tahini Chocolate Layer:

• ⅓ cup tahini

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons cacao powder

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base
   Add dates, oats, almonds, cacao powder, coconut oil, vanilla, and sea salt to a food processor.
   Pulse until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together when pressed.

2. Press into pan
   Line a small loaf pan or square dish with parchment paper.
   Press the mixture firmly into an even layer.

3. Make the topping
   In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, maple syrup, cacao powder, melted coconut oil, and sea salt until smooth and glossy.

4. Layer & chill
   Pour the tahini chocolate mixture over the base and smooth evenly.
   Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or 30 minutes in the freezer).

5. Slice & enjoy
   Once set, lift out using parchment paper and slice into bars.

Serving & Storage Tips:

• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days

• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or crushed pistachios for an elevated finish

• Perfect as a post-meal treat or mid-afternoon energy boost

A light and delicious Salmon plate, that is gluten free.

Eating gluten-free because of celiac disease has taught me something important: food should support your body, not work against it. When ingredients are simple, whole, and intentionally chosen, meals become easier to digest, more satisfying, and genuinely energizing.

This Lemon Herb Salmon Power Bowl is one of my favorite examples of that philosophy. It’s bright, nourishing, and naturally gluten-free — made without processed substitutes, hidden additives, or sauces that require decoding ingredient labels. Just real food that tastes good and feels good.

I reach for this recipe when I want a balanced meal that delivers protein, fiber, and healthy fats without heaviness. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, elegant enough to feel special, and flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand.

If you’re managing celiac disease, eating gluten-free for wellness, or simply trying to build more intentional meals, this bowl is a reliable, grounding option.

Serves: 1–2

Time: ~30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Salmon

• 2 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each)

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• Juice and zest of ½ lemon

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped

• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Grain Base:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (rinsed before cooking)

• Pinch of turmeric and black pepper (optional)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• ½ small zucchini, sliced

• ½ red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 tsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

For the Bowl:

• 1 cup baby spinach or arugula

• ¼ avocado, sliced

• 1 tbsp sunflower or pumpkin seeds

Lemon-Herb Drizzle:

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (gluten-free)

• Fresh cracked pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salmon
   In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over the salmon and set aside for 5 minutes.

2. Cook the Quinoa
   Cook quinoa using a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. Once fluffy, stir in turmeric and black pepper if using.

3. Cook the Vegetables
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli, zucchini, and bell pepper. Sauté 6–8 minutes until tender but still vibrant. Season lightly.

4. Cook the Salmon
   Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook salmon skin-side down for 3–4 minutes, flip, and cook another 3–4 minutes until just opaque.
   (Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.)

5. Make the Dressing
   Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and cracked pepper until emulsified.

6. Assemble the Bowl
   Start with quinoa, add greens, layer vegetables and salmon, then top with avocado, seeds, and lemon-herb drizzle.

Tips & Variations

• Low-FODMAP: Skip garlic and use lemon zest + herbs only

• Extra protein: Add soft-boiled eggs or chickpeas

• Mediterranean twist: Add olives and cherry tomatoes

• Spicy: Finish with red pepper flakes or chili oil

For more recipes like this, click this link:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wholerootsrecipes/id6749336989

3 Ways that I have released internalized perfectionism.

Written by Hali Tsotetsi

Photo from Unsplash

In 3 years, God willing, I will be celebrating my 40th birthday on February 6th, 2029. And, as excited as I am to become older and wiser, I have let go of many things I have been taught or developed from insecurities. One of them is the need to be perfect. 

I had a very demanding upbringing that required close to perfectionism, which was a lot for a child. How that manifested into adulthood was feeling like if I wasn’t perfect, I wasn’t lovable. 

Only in my thirties have I unpacked this notion and, more specifically the past few years. I have finally understood and am practicing letting go of perfectionism. 

Here are 3 ways that I am doing so: 

1. Allowing people to paint me as the villain. 

In most work situations, I was known as the sweet one. The one who was hardworking and got along with most of my colleagues. Until a recent work situation, which I can’t fully get into.

One thing I can tell you is that I spent years being tested my colleagues who were clicky, mean and toxic. I am not a victim and I had my reasons for staying but it cemented the idea in my head that some people just won’t like you. There are people in life that will hear rumors about you and believe them because of reasons that have nothing to do with you. 

It is okay to be a villain in someone else’s story as long as you know who you are, what you stand for and represent. 

2. I don’t have to be a size 0 and be happy. 

I recently went through some serious health issues, only to be diagnosed with Celiac’s disease a year after being hospitalized. Celiac’s disease is an autoimmune disease that is a trigger response to the protein found in gluten. 

When I went into hospital, I lost a lot of weight and people started commenting on how much I had lost. In two weeks, I lost 15 pounds. It was very noticeable. But, I was struggling deeply with my health. Despite people complimenting me about my weight, I was terrified that I would go back into pain and need expensive medical attention all over again. 

So, I spent a year focusing on my internal health. I told myself that I don’t care what the scale says, I am committed to health. I am done internalizing other people’s weight issues and insecurities; my body deserves better than that. This body that has housed my soul and been there for me more than anything else, deserves to be healthy. I don’t need to starve myself to appease others in order to love myself. 

This body is worthy of love, no matter size I am. 

3. Releasing the idea that a mistake means something bad. 

As I mentioned before, my upbringing was very demanding. I went to two British schools where most of my teachers embodied and resembled the infamous Mrs. Trunchbull from the book or movie, Matilda. 

Culturally, the combination of African and British influences on my upbringing meant that if you said the wrong thing, you would be corrected in a way that demeaned you and made you feel less than. Effort was only rewarded if it was followed with perfectionism and an A on your report card. This put a lot of pressure on me and I used to carry that weight for years. 

Until I released the idea of saying and doing things the right way according to status quo and making other people happy. I am human and I will make mistakes. It doesn’t make me less worthy of being alive or living. It just means that I may need to find my way, learn a different way, grow, mature and/or do things differently. 

I deserve the right to make mistakes. We all do. 

9 Affirmations for the Holiday Season.

Written by Hali Tsotetsi

Photo from Unsplash

While the holidays can be a joyous and celebratory time; they can also bring about negative emotions about loved ones. Please know that if you are having a difficult time this holiday season, you are not alone. 

In addition, rambunctious and boisterous energy can be processed through the body as anxiety or even, depression. While I am not a doctor and advise those who are suffering through serious emotions this holiday season to seek professional help. We can use daily affirmations to help us process challenging feelings that may arise during this time of year. 

Here are 9 Affirmations for the Holiday Season: 

1. Even though there is chaos around me, I am at peace. 

2. I look inward for tranquility. 

3. I am aware of my emotional triggers and use healthy modes of healing to monitor them. 

4. I speak to someone helpful for emotional guidance. 

5. I give myself permission to be there for myself before my family or my friends. 

6. I am worthy of people who show up for me and care for me. 

7. I am worthy of healthy and genuine love. 

8. I enjoy my own time.

9. I surround myself wit people that I genuinely want to be around. 

3 Things I wish I was told before I turned 30.

Written by Hali Tsotetsi

Image from Unsplash

Before I turned 30, I was terrified of getting older. I remember spending my 30th birthday on the verge of feeling depressed as though I had spent my 20s wasting it on something other people, petty drama and, places that I didn’t want to live or be in. I felt regretful. 

After spending a few days with the feeling of regret, I decided to change around my perspective and focus on my health, positivity and, being present. As I approach the (almost) end of the 30s, I am glad that I changed my perspective because it has been a wonderful 6 years that have been filled with some of the most invaluable lessons I could have ever learned. 

Here are 3 Things I wish I was told about my 30s:

1. Don’t let anyone rush you into anything. 

I spent my 20s rushing. I rushed through my diploma education, I rushed through moving to a new city and being in some monumental relationships. All that haste forced me to slow down because rushing made me feel as though I had wasted my time on certain people and things. 

Once I decided to be present, I began to take things in and see things through experience and not a checklist. Life is meant to be lived moment-to-moment; not by checking off boxes. Achievements are worthy of achieving if you acknowledge the journey and the process of acquiring them. 

2. Not everyone gets to live to their 30s and more. 

The older we get, we start to see that not everyone gets to live past a certain age. Losing my sister cemented this ideology for me. I had taken time and people for granted until she passed away. Her passing showed me to live everyday fully but responsibly. 

I developed the idea of gratitude and appreciation for being alive. Today is someone’s last day alive, don’t waste it on minor issues or people who are not worthy.

3. What is delayed is not denied. 

This quote is actually from a YouTuber that I follow. Her name is Fumi Desalu-Vold. I admire her willingness to start a family, business and career when she was ready (her late 30s) and, not when other people told her to. 

Sometimes I get asked if I want kids and people get shocked when I say that I do. The truth is that the generations before us were not emotionally capable of raising healthy children. They clothed us, housed us but a lot of us have had to heal from trauma. Which doesn’t make us victims; however, we can pass on this trauma or heal it.  

I postponed starting a family so that I could heal what was passed onto me and choose my future partner carefully. I delayed being a Mother (whether it is biologically or through adoption) until I feel emotionally and financially stable. And when it happens, I will be grateful that I waited because I will be patient, understanding, supportive with my future partner and children. 

Why do I want to forgive her?

Image from Unsplash

Article by Hali Tsotetsi

Why do I want to forgive her?
Because I believed that she was a trustworthy friend.

I forgive her because we all make mistakes and sometimes we are on the receiving end of someone else’s.

I forgive her because I am done remembering how she was not for me as a friend.

I forgive her because I was younger once, too. I was also gullible to what others said about people I was friends with.

I forgive her because carrying hurt will only harm me. Rewinding the past will only hurt me.

I forgive her because although I have put up a strong boundary towards her, I am freeing myself up from any anger that I ever felt towards her.

No person is worthy of holding a grudge against. Self-protection doesn’t mean that I have to relive the past in my head.

I forgive myself 11/18

Written by Hali Tsotetsi

Image from Unsplash

Why do I want to forgive myself?
Because I have nothing to prove. I have no reason to defend myself or prove my worthiness to people who will never understand me. So, I am done trying.

I forgive myself because a lot of life is self-reflection, embarrassment and being humbled by mistakes and errors.

I forgive myself because there was a time when I believed that toxic situations and people were not as harmful if I could control them.

I forgive myself because I own the moments where I have felt the need to belong, even if it was amongst untrustworthy people.

I forgive myself because I am not perfect. I am human and in this earth experience, we fall, we learn, we grow and we get back up.

9 Affirmations for dealing with haters.

Written by Hali Tsotetsi

Photo from Unsplash

The informal definition of the word Hater, according to The Mariam Webster Dictionary, is ‘ a person who actively and aggressively criticizes and disparages something or someone (such as a celebrity or public figure)’. 

You don’t have to be a celebrity to have haters. You could be one of the best at your job and notice a group forming of those who are jealous of you and can’t handle seeing you succeed. You could be a kind person and notice that your neighbor snubs you when you try to give them a smile. Or, you could be well-dressed and notice sneers and comments when you walk into a public place because you look and feel good. These are all different-types of haters. People are aligned with the negative. 

Last week, I wrote an article about more things that I have learned about them, this week I have written 9 affirmations on how to deal with them: 

1. I don’t owe negative people anything. Not even a greeting. 

2. I rise above negativity. 

3. I am worthy of respect. 

4. I am worthy of positivity. 

5. I am at peace with myself, regardless of how others feel about me. 

6. I am in alignment with positivity. 

7. I wake up grateful for everything that I have. 

8. I am at peace with some people disliking me. They don’t have authority over me. 

9. I am worthy of healthy relationships with people are trying to be better people. 

For more affirmations, check out our Affirmation app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6747782814

3 More things that I have learned about haters.

Written by Hali Tsotetsi

Image from Unsplash.

We have all interactions with people that has left us feeling icky. Whether it’s with a stranger, neighbor, family member or colleague, negative situations or dealing with negative people can leave you feeling an array of emotions that you want to rid yourself of. 

Instead of thinking so binary, in black and white, these interactions can teach us a lot about ourselves and people. I am a firm-believer that every situation and person can teach us in life so that we receive the full benefits of living. 

Once someone has been rude to you, it is easy to pass on that negativity. There are times that defending yourself is necessary; however, getting into minor arguments with everyone who is rude is a waste of time. 

Here are 3 More Things that I have learned about haters: 

1. They are miserable.

You don’t see generally happy people starting arguments with others or planning to bully, gossip or demean another person because people who are fulfilled or happy within themselves don’t need to be mean to other people. Not everyone will get along with everyone; however, there are certain people who thrive off of negativity. 

Those who start arguments with others, will be the first to gossip or, will openly bully others to prove their authority. These are not content people. Living a life of misery and negativity is not something worth attaining towards or satisfying. Their behavior is because they are not at peace with themselves and it spreads to others. 

2. They know not what they do. 

Most of us have been a hater at some point in our lives, so I don’t want to run around pointing the finger at others. However, at a time in our lives, some of us choose to let negativity go: whether it’s with a person or situation. Or, we become a full-time hater. 

Full-time hating is quite the job, it requires a lot from us and most people who are stuck in this cycle have no idea. It has become so habitual that it is engrained in their DNA. It seems like a crazy concept and as though it is a mere cop out for those who live like this. 

But, most haters have no idea that they are so hateful because they have spent their lives pointing the finger at others, that self-reflection and accountability has rarely crossed their minds. 

3. They will only bring you down. 

If you are the hater and you notice that you are aligned with negativity, I recommend seeking some sort of therapy or professional help. It is better to start today than to be sucked into a world of negativity when there is more to life than being grumpy, miserable and jealous of others. 

If you are around one (or a few haters), try to distance yourself from them because they will only bring you down. They might not mean to do it but overtime, they will become so negative that it will have some sort of impact on you. It might sound cold and as though you aren’t being a good friend to a negative friend or family member to a negative family member; however, your life is yours. 

Who you surround yourself with, you will become unless you make a conscious decision to align yourself with positivity and distance yourself from those who are aligned with negativity. It is not up to you to deal with haters. 

3 More things that I have learned about bullies.

Written by Hali Tsotetsi.

Photography from Unsplash.



With the beautiful journey of life comes difficulty and dealing with challenging people. Some might say that you need to deal with those who bully you in order to become successful and a more learned you.

While I disagree with this statement, I do believe that there are things that we can learn from dealing with people who are inclined to treat people less than, berate them or try to make them feel less than, because they are in a position to do so.

Whether it is in our family, friends or work dynamics, we will all have to deal with bullying in one shape or another. It is how we deal with them that determines our inner character.

Here are 3 More things that I have learned about bullies:

1. They, themselves, are insecure.

We have all had moments where we felt insecure or less than. However, projecting that insecurity onto others or not is what makes the real difference. While a lot of us will internalize our insecurities; there are some people who will bully others as a way to make them feel superior.

While I wish that all of us would seek therapy, would look within and make healthy changes to our lives, that is wishful thinking. Sometimes we have to encounter people that are highly insecure and project it onto others by trying to come across better than.

This is a form of pain. One that is masked so deeply in the fabric of human society that we have accepted it as normal, when it is not. Like they say, ‘hurt purple hurt people’ and while bullies may seem mean and rude; they are in deep pain.

2. Their behavior has nothing to do with you.

Have you ever been berated by a toxic person of authority, talked down to by someone who is condescending or even scrutinized with a look by a stranger walking in the street and thought, ‘What did I do to deserve that’? 

While you can spend your time running different thoughts through your mind about how you are deserving of negative treatment, I am here to tell you that someone’s negative unprovoked actions have nothing to do with you. If you are innocent and someone dumps their toxic load onto you, understand that bullying personalities often prey on those that they can.

You can be the sweetest and well-meaning person in The World and bullies will take that as a doorway to mistreatment. It has nothing to do with you or what you might have done with them to be bullied.

3. You are allowed to stand up for yourself.

I spent years allowing bullies to bully me because I believed that I wouldn’t go low to their behavior. However, this stance made me the victim. There is definitely something powerful about not reacting; however, there is also power in having boundaries and standing your ground.

Every situation is different and I’m not saying that you should run around telling everyone off. However, you are allowed to defend yourself, you don’t have to put up with disrespect and, you don’t have to be bullied to become a stronger person. Strength is a mindset and although we might have to deal with difficult people or ‘bullies’, we do not have to put up with it.

Find a healthy way of standing up for yourself without sacrificing your character and lowering your standards.

9 Affirmations for the year ahead.

Written by Hali Tsotetsi

Photo from Unsplash

Being positive is a daily choice. For many of us, it requires a lot of practice. And, while we may never be perfect at it, it is worth aspiring to. 

Living through a positive lens makes everything more exciting and rewarding because we learn to be grateful and appreciate what life has to offer us. That doesn’t mean that we shove down negative feelings. 

However, we process our emotions in a healthy manner while understanding that things happen for us and not to us. 

Here are 9 affirmations for a positive year ahead: 

1. I am at peace with how things have turned out. 

2. I live my life for me. 

3. I live with true intentions.

4. I embrace life fully. 

5. I open my heart to love others with vulnerability. 

6. I trust that everything works out for the better. 

7. I am exactly where I am meant to be. 

8. I am grateful to have another life to live.

9. I call on Archangel Michael to protect me from negativity as I face challenges through this upcoming year.

3 Things that I want to remember in 2025.

Written by Hali Tsotetsi. Image from Unsplash.

I have been blessed with 35 (almost 36) years on this earth. I have had ups and downs but overall, I have had a fortunate and blessed life. With the blessings, comes lessons. We cannot have happiness without the juxtaposition of upset, anger and, the full array of emotions while we are on this journey. 

Every year, I hope to become wiser and more learned in life. And, that requires some challenge. Through the challenges of 2024, I have learned some lessons that I would like to carry over to 2025. 

Here are 3 lessons that I want to remember in 2025: 

1. Accept support from people who are genuine. 

I had a tumultuous year in 2024. While I began a new career as an app developer, I suffered severe health problems and ended up in The ER. It was a time when I was reminded of why my friends (of decades) were in my life and how important healthy family dynamics can be. 

As much as I had given support to others, last year I was reminded that I am worthy of support from people who really mean it and are capable of being there for me. Genuine people who mean well for you are healthy for you. They can help you heal in ways you never thought were possible. 

2. Do little things to make yourself happy. 

While The Summer was a challenging time, I emerged out of it with the promise to do little things to make myself happy. I promised to do something kind for myself once-a-week and I fulfilled that promise so much so that I ended the year the happiest that I have ever been. 

I spent the latter half of 2024 by disconnecting from toxic friendships, situations and people while choosing options that helped me thrive. Each day is too promising to focus it on people, things and situations that bring out the worst in you. 

3. You don’t have to keep the peace if it means sacrificing yourself. 

Sometimes we have to work with or deal with people on a personal level that are fake, gossipy, conniving or just plain nasty. It is life. Something that I thoroughly learned from dealing with two particular people in 2024, is that some people will try to provoke you. They will lie about you, gossip about you in your face and, try to tarnish your name to make themselves feel better about themselves. 

They are not at peace with themselves. Their issues have nothing to do with you. Even if they try to push them onto you. You don’t have to be close with negative people just to ‘keep the peace’. You can choose peace and yourself over fake friends or people who want to drag you into gossip and lack of productivity. 

9 Affirmations for the election results.

Written by Hali Tsotetsi

Photography from Unsplash

Whether you are pleased or disappointed with the election results, it has been quite the emotion roller coaster. You could say that it is by design; however, it is normal to feel an array of emotions.

We are human after all and, we cannot be put into one particular box or monolith. The same goes for opinions and ideas.

So, with the results recently being announced, I encourage you to practice compassion and empathy. Because emotional maturity is what we need most.

Here are 9 affirmations for the election results:

1. I stand firm in my beliefs.

2. I listen to others.

3. I practice compassion towards others, whether they agree with me or not.

4. I embrace all opinions; not only my own.

5. I practice daily gratitude for my life.

6. I practice what I preach.

7. I live what I believe.

8. I am open to other opinions.

9. I embrace healthy debate and don’t think less of someone else if they think differently than I do.

3 Ways that I heal my inner child.

Written by Hali Tsotetsi. Image from Unsplash.

As a child of divorce, my inner-child will always remember the years that my parents got divorced and when my father decided to leave and never return. It is a deep wound. But, the great thing about life is that we are constantly healing. 

We may have triggers but having tools and techniques to cope with those wounds can help us overcome and deal with our inner demons. 

Although, I sometimes feel triggered by fear of being abandoned. I use these tools to choose a healthier way of life: 

1. Affirmations.

Every morning, I listen to affirmations. I have done this practice for the past ten years. When I started, I didn’t believe that I was worthy and capable of having a healthy life. I didn’t know a life of self-belief. 

Over time, that has drastically changed. While I still have remnants of that inner-child who feels the need to be validated by others. I remind myself that validation comes from me. That is only something that I can give to myself. Yes, it feels good to receive compliments from others but that is icing on the cake. 

What I believe about myself is the foundation. 

2. By tapping. 

One of my triggers is being ignored by people that I care about. It is a symptom of being neglected and left by the two people that were meant to be there for me when I was a child and needed them. 

Sometimes I will catch myself in relationships and friendships expecting the other person to communicate the way that I do and if they don’t, I feel my inner-child draw up scenarios of being left again and, it can feel horrifying. 

That’s when I sit still and practice my tapping where you tap on different pressure points in the body whilst repeating healing affirmations. It reminds me to be present and validates my feelings. 

3. Different methods of therapy.

While I believe tapping is a method of healing, there are many other forms of therapy. The traditional therapist/ patient type of therapy has become popularized in western society. However, there are many other forms of esoteric practices. 

Reiki, tarot, spiritual guidance, physical activity and yoga have all helped me validate my self-worth and support me in my healing process. 

You don’t have to see a traditional therapist to develop awareness, embark upon your healing process and step into your true worthiness. Sometimes it can start with journaling or with a run in the park surrounded by nature. 

I continue to heal my inner child through different modes of healing and some days I hear her pull me back to a little girl who craves her parent’s attention. Which is when I ground myself, remind her that she doesn’t need to live in fear, is worthy of health and, can let go of the past. 

Dear Inner Child…

Dear Inner Child, 

You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. You can know who you are and trust that you will be okay. 

I’m sorry that the people who were meant to protect and guide you let you down. They were hurt, themselves. I’m sorry that the people who claimed to have your best interest, really didn’t. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t trust again. People can be disappointing and distrustful but they can also be kind, good-hearted and full of love. 

I’m sorry that you have been bullied, hurt and beaten down by people who thought they had power over you. They used it wrongly. Some of them used your innocence to belittle you and taunt you. But don’t let them steal your essence from you. 

I speak to you with love and remind you that you are loved and you don’t need to work for love or prove that you are lovable. Trust in yourself and know that you are lovable, everything else will fall into place. 

You don’t need to be perfect or please everyone. Live your life for your highest self and don’t worry about people who see your imperfections, they are projecting their insecurities onto you. 

Free yourself from the curse of rejection and abandonment by validating yourself and reassuring yourself of what you need to hear in your life. 

Anything you do should not be proof or validation of your worthiness but an extension of your love for yourself and for life.

9 affirmations for a healthy body.

Throughout my life, I have suffered from body issues. I have been extremely underweight and overweight- all while thinking horrible thoughts about this body that gets me through so much. 

Through the evolution of self, I am here today grateful for my body and where it has taken me. When I catch myself being hard on myself and my body, I remember the journey that it has taken me through and how it has been patient with me throughout what I have done to it; it deserves the same patience and love that it has shown me. 

Today, I strive for health: a healthy mind, body and soul for the best life that I can live. 

Here are 9 affirmations for a healthy body: 

1. I am grateful for my health. 

2. I choose health over anxiety. 

3. I lovingly support health in my body. 

4. I feel strong and healthy. 

5. I am open to the most healthy body capable. 

6. I choose how my body feels over how it looks. 

7. I welcome positivity and strength into my body. 

8. My body is a source of energy, healing and light. 

9. My body radiates joy.

3 Ways that I recently learned to speak up for myself.

It was my thirty fourth birthday on February sixth and every birthday, I feel stronger and wiser. Something that I have recently learned is to stand firm in my convictions and moral compass. Which used to be a struggle for me.

During the lockdowns, I learned this lesson firmly that sometimes what you believe in may cause others to ridicule you, doubt you and judge you but, if you believe in something and yourself, sometimes you will stand alone in your belief.

I have gone through a few scenarios lately that have reminded me of who I am and that it is up to me to stand up for myself. Support is nice but I have to be the first person who sets boundaries for myself.

Here are 3 ways that I recently learned to stand up for myself:

1. Don’t continue a relationship with red flags.

I recently met a man who I was thrilled about getting to know. We had chemistry and things seemed like they were going well. Until, I expressed that I was going on a date as I was still single and he showed up to a place that he knew I would be at with another woman, on a date.

Whether this was a game or not, I am not sure of but it was a major red flag. I took a step back from the situation, evaluated it and then let him go. I expressed my honesty to him and set a boundary that I wouldn’t deal with situations like this again.

You might think that I was rushing to judgement about a guy and, that could be; however, I have dealt with enough player energy to know when someone is being sincere and when they aren’t. I don’t hate him and I wish him well. But moving forward, in my life, I am done forcing situations and people that don’t fit into a healthy way of being.

2. Staying away from negative people.

We have all gone through phases where we have surrounded ourself with one or a few negative people. In some cases, I have been the negative person.

When I was a negative person who was in a dark place in my life, a few people distanced themselves from me and I don’t blame them. It wasn’t up to them to be there for me when I was constantly whining and complaining.

People staying away from me when I was in a negative space taught me to change, grow, be more grateful and live in abundance. Something that I can only do for myself. It’s nice to have support but people do not have to blindly show loyalty to me no matter what.

The same goes for others. I have learned to distance myself from the person who is constantly complaining and in a negative space because there is only so much I can do for them. It is up to all of us to make the most of our lives and if someone doesn’t, I am not obliged to be around them.

3. Judgemental and condescending people.

When I left Los Angeles, I was very happy. I felt like I was leaving behind a lot of judgement and hypocritical woke culture.The majority of people that I met there would claim to be for a cause but live life the exact opposite.

Especially as a yoga teacher. Some of the most disturbing things I had seen there were by yoga teachers who would claim to be spiritually enlightened but turn out to practice the exact opposite of what they preached.

Recently, I posted a fake pregnancy picture on my Instagram (for April fool’s day). While it was meant as a joke, I received a DM from the former HR director of Hot8Yoga in Los Angeles. Who (when I worked there) would continuously gaslight me about experiences I had and bully me. I had some serious situations with certain students when I worked there that felt dangerous and when I would express this, she would speak to me in a condescending and rude tone.

So, the irony of her writing me was astounding. I told her that I did not accept her opinion of me and that she wouldn’t continue to bully me. We are entitled to an opinion but there are those people who are constantly judging others when they do not practice what they preach.

If I lived for judgemental people, I wouldn’t live at all because they will always have something negative to say about you and what you will do. I am open to critical feedback but not condescending people who need to find joy in their lives.