Ingredients
3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 Leeks (thinly sliced)
1 lb. Carrots (peeled and thinly sliced)
1 Medium-sized potato (peeled and coarsely diced)
1 1/2 tsp. Peeled and minced/grated fresh ginger
5 Cups chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 Cup fresh orange juice
2 Tsp. grated orange zest
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
Thin orange slices for garnish (optional)

Serves 4 to 6

Directions
In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the leeks and sauté until just slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the carrots, potato and ginger and sauté until the vegetables are just softened, about 5 minutes more. Add the stock, cover partially and simmer until the vegetables are completely softened, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat. In a blender or food processor, puree the soup in batches, leaving some texture, and return the soup to the pan. Set the pan over medium heat and stir in the orange juice and zest. Season with salt and white pepper. 
Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and garnish each serving with an orange slice and a sprig of mint.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Collection Series, Soup, by Diane Rossen Worthington.

The relationship between physical environment and wellbeing is sometimes overlooked, yet having a calming safe haven from the demands of the world is often the key to recharging one’s batteries. 

When you return from a long day what awaits you? Do you face clutter, conflict and many more things to be done in the way of housework? If so it may be time to invest some time and thought into creating a place that will allow you to relax, be yourself and practice self-care. 

Check out this great Freshome.com article, How to Make Your Home Feel More Relaxing, for insight on where to start and specific room-by-room suggestions to optimize your home environment.

RESOLUTIONS: WHAT IS THE GOAL?
Do you have a new year's resolution, or several? 

If you do have more than one and they are large in scope, such as losing weight or getting a new job, the best approach is to be realistic in your change goals and to accept that change is a slow, but very rewarding, process. 

If you want to change many things about your life, it may help to reflect on the change you believe to be the most material to your happiness or sense of fulfillment. What really is the most important thing to you right now, January 2016? 

Is it career satisfaction? Finding more balance? Adopting a healthier, more sustainable, lifestyle? Making more time for family and close friends? Learning to take care of yourself, along with everyone else that depends on you?

WHAT IS THE PLAN?
The key to the plan is WHAT IS REALISTIC BASED ON MY LIFE?

Focus on the your one key goal and accept, for now, the others things about your life you would like to change. 

Now compose a REALISTIC plan based on the amount of time and energy you have given your weekly schedule to begin and sustain gradual, slow, evolutionary change. 

SLOW AND STEADY STAYS THE COURSE
Behavioral change is not often accomplished in a linear fashion. Maintain your patience as your change slowly, with the support of others. Often change occurs in a recycling pattern, so staying confident and committed during a perceived set back is very important. 

Often successful lasting change will come from this: one step forward, two back, four forward, two back, etc., course correct, and keep going. But slowly change takes hold and requires less and less effort. 

Learn more about change theory by scheduling a free coaching session.

Work with a wellness coach to get a new perspective this year.