If I'm being honest...

I really don't want to do ANYTHING today. Earlier while Elias slept, I talked Darius into going outside (or rather I started to say 'outside' and he was out the door before I had fully articulated) and Eli woke up only ten minutes into our gardening. After rescuing my sweet baby from his bassinet (I know, I need to move him to his crib...it's just so nice to hear his soft breathing at night,) we lasted another ten minutes before the wind reduced Elias to tears, and we headed back indoors.
While Darius watched cartoons and Eli slept (again - he's such a great little sleeper!) I made No Bake Coconut and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites (I'll post the recipe below) in an attempt to lift my blah mood. They are delicious but no amount of coconut and chocolate seemed to return the sunshine to my soul today. Being tired is probably contributing, or maybe its my massive 'to do' list hanging over my head...either way, today's just one of those humbling days that makes me grateful for my usual sunny disposition.
As a teenager I really struggled with depression, and have since formed a list of activities to do when I need a pick me up. Here's a little peep into my "down in the dumps" survival guide:

1. make a gratitude list

2. do something you love to do that's also creative - like baking, sewing, blogging, etc

3. run!

4. anything active (going for a walk, practicing yoga, working in the garden, etc)

5. watch a hilarious movie

6. get Darius to tell me a story (he's more entertaining than most comedians)

7. Sun! As Darius will tell anyone,"the Sun gives me vitamin D. Vitamin D makes me happy, and helps me to grow big and strong."

I've given a few of these a go already, which is why I'm thinking that I am just too tired today, but I will keep on ticking each trick off until a smile is plastered to my face.
If you find yourself in need of a lift today (or any day really) give this recipe a try that I found over at Love Veggies and Yoga. Averie has some REALLY delicious ideas!

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No Bake Coconut & Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites (courtesy of Averie at Love Veggies and Yoga)

Ingredients:
2/3 c cashews (unsalted, and raw if possible)
1/4 c coconut flakes (unsweetened or sweetened)
2 tbsp oats (whole, rolled not quick cook)
3 tbsp agave or maple syrup (or combination)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp coconut oil (optional, and if using it and batter gets too wet after adding, add a pinch more dried coconut flakes, oats, or cashews and re-blend)

1/4 to 1/3 c chocolate chips or chunks
Yields: approximately 16-18 bites
Directions:
First add cashews, coconut flakes, and oats to Vita-Mix or food processor and grind into a fine powder. Then, add the agave, vanilla extract, and coconut oil, and blend again. Finally, the chocolate chips and either stir in by hand or barely blend/pulse until incorporated. Retain some texture to the chips or chunks.
Remove the dough and form into cookie bites. If dough is soft or hard to work with, refrigerate/freeze for 20 minutes prior to forming into bites.

Add dried coconut flakes to each bite by rolling them in coconut flakes at the end.

Store the dough bites in refrigerator or freezer.

What do you do to lift your mood? Do you have a list to pick and choose from (like mine above) or do you have one no-fail solution?