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It’s hard to take risks, sticking yourself out there can be nerve wracking. My kids and their friends are looking for summer employment and, while it’s only temporary, they’d like it to be something they can add to their skill set on their resume. Ours is a boom town, which means job opportunities, but also lots of in-migration. Jobs for students can be scarce. So email queries and phone calls have to be made to anyone and everyone. Which can be stressful for some, kids worry that companies may be annoyed or even rude. I say, so what! Someone’s bad day doesn’t have to be yours.
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I used to be paralyzed with fear, a quiet person by nature, I can be shy to the extreme. As a teenager, I’d rehearse my contribution to the conversation and by the time I had the courage to speak up.. the discussion had moved on.
After reading the book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, I have a learned to trust in an intuitive, quiet confidence that enables me to be more courageous in social situations. The main difference now, is I know that I do have something meaningful to contribute and others will want to hear it. Why? Because I believe that everyone has something important to contribute (most of the time). I’m interested in what everyone else has to say, ergo, people { hopefully } have an interest in what I have to say. Loud and overly assertive people may get the floor more often than not, but there are people who are { relieved } and appreciate a different, quieter point of view.
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When I approach these sorts of situations, I have taught myself to think “Why not me?” instead of “Why me?” And I’ve gone from “Why would they want to meet me?” to “Of course, they would want to meet me, I’m a nice person.” In fact, those few words are the ones I’ve trained myself to always think first: “Why not” and “Of course” before my old negative self-talk has the chance to interrupt.
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Applying for a job means you must have that same attitude. Go in thinking, “Why not me for the job, after all I am (list of attributes)” and “Of course.. they’d want to hire me.” Jump in, both feet first. Be ridiculously optimistic. Send your resume absolutely everywhere. Email everyone under the sun that you know and tell everyone what you’re hoping for, what you’re dreaming of. Chances are the universe will welcome and respond to the queries you send out. After all, if you don’t try, you’ll never find out! Sometimes you’ll get the job you need and it won’t be the one you were hoping for in the first place. But that’s a discussion for another day.
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I took a few risks, ok, really small ones.. figuring this recipe out, almost all the way through I kept thinking “This looks strange.” or “The texture is so dry, how can I rescue this?” I’m so glad I kept going, these proteins bars are amazing. I highly doubt if they’re low-cal, but I promise the flavor is unreal, the texture is just that right amount of rice crisp and coconut chewy. I noticed on the second day the texture is very like a puffed wheat square that I’ve made. After making the base, I sprinkled chunks of raw almonds over top and sealed them with melted vegan chocolate. They have protein, they’re Gluten-Free and they’re completely Vegan!
Best of all, unlike store-bought protein bars, you know what’s in them!
I think this recipe could be adjusted to suit your taste. If you want more protein, switch out the cocoa for protein powder. Or vice versa if you don’t care for protein powder. I used Vega Protein because I love it in my smoothies. Make up a batch of these bars, slice, wrap and freeze for convenience.
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Good news!! It’s going up to 14C today! Spring has unofficially arrived!
- two cups oats
- 1 cup rice puffs, organic, unsweetened
- 1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 (26 gm) scoops Vega Chocolate Smoothie protein mix
- 3/4 cup brown rice syrup
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 6 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup raw almonds
- 1 package (283 g) Enjoy Life Mega Chunks
- 2 tsp coconut oil (melted)
- Prepare a 9x9" baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, so that the paper extends up over opposite sides (this helps you lift the bars out). My pan was non-stick so I didn't have to line it.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, rice puffs (gluten-free puffed rice cereal), coconut, cocoa powder and protein mix. In a smaller bowl, stir together the brown rice syrup, peanut butter, coconut oil and vanilla extract. Pour the syrup mixture over the oats and rice mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together until blended.
- Spoon then press the mixture into the prepared 9x9" baking pan.
- Coarsely chop the almonds, leaving some larger pieces. Scatter over the top of the base.
- Melt the package of Enjoy LIfe Mega Chunks by microwaving in bursts of 30 seconds, stirring after each time. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate pieces as they can turn "grainy". Once melted, stir in the coconut oil. Then pour over the base, covering the almond chunks and the entire top of the square. If needed, use the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate, or gently tip the pan up on one side.
- Let the bars set in the fridge. Remove by lifting out with the ends of the parchment paper, place on a cutting board and cut into bars or squares. Wrap and refrigerate or freeze. I did leave mine on the counter and they were fine for a few days.. but I'm not entirely sure, because they were gone by the third day:)
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Ooh yum Barbara these look great and more like a treat than something healthy so even better. Good luck to the kids looking for jobs!
They taste like dessert.. I think next time I’d add more protein and less cocoa powder just to make them better for recovery after a workout. I’ll tell the kids you said good luck! xx
Your bars look yummy and will defintiely try these out. Also, it is a very good feeling when we finally learn to accept and trust who we are. One of those lifelong ‘school” projects though, isn’t it. Really enjoyed your post
You’re so very right, Jeanne, this took me forever to figure out. Actually I wish I knew a lot more than this when I was starting out;)
…MMM they looks great Barbara!! :-)These would be good anytime but I like the idea of taking them on my hiking and camping trips. You will find the perfect job, sometimes it happens quick and sometimes not. You have to be positive. Relationships, I try hard to work on relationships with everyone I know and everyone I meet. Reach out to those you know to help you.
I hope you are starting to see signs of spring! I noticed a few flowers for the first time today! Enjoy your Sunday!
Michael
I know you work on relationships with everyone I know.. because I see how you write your blog! You are so lucky to have flowers!! We had a day of full-on melting snow!
I was just having the conversation with someone yesterday about introverts. I’m definitely going to check this book out. These bars definitely look like ones my kids will enjoy! Maybe even Mike too. Good luck to your kids on their summer job hunt.
I really enjoyed reading it, it’s very affirming for quiet people:)
Barb, these bars look so good! I’m going to try them with Arbonne’s protein powder, which contains a blend of pea, rice and cranberry proteins (I’m a consultant with them, but this isn’t a sales call, lol). I loved what you wrote about everyone having something to say and deserving to be heard. I”m so glad you spoke up and decided to create this blog; obviously there are people all over the world who want to hear what you have to say!
I hope you love them as much as we did. I’ll be interested to read about the Arbonne protein powder version! And I’m glad you write your blog too.. or we’d never have met:)
I am going to google this book Smidge, thank you for mentioning it and your bars look fabulously addictive.
Have a beautiful week ahead.
🙂 Mandy xo
Thanks, Mandy xx
I haven’t left a comment for a age. But I was much take by what you say in this post. I too am quite by nature and an introvert. Although I haven’t read Susan Cain’s book I am so glad it became a best-seller as I think it has helped to rebalance the view that extraversion is all good and introversion and being quite is somehow not so desirable. 😉
I’ve missed you! I’ll be by your blog today as well:) I think her book did go a long way to supporting introverts, there’s room for all of us:)
I love that book!!! It explains so much about myself and about my hubby. We are both introverts but it totally different ways. It gave me more confidence in myself and that not being “the star” of the group was just fine… maybe even better. PS The bars are delicious looking!
That’s interesting that you’re introverts, yet in different ways.. I’d love to know more about that. I do think introverts can be very different in how they are “introverted”. Many of my friends are surprised to find out I am introverted. It’s been a lot of years and tons of work to be able to be “extroverted when I need to be.
Barbara, once again are you tickling my taste buds –even if I don’t eat brownies.
Love your way of thinking … why shouldn’t I be the best!!!! We are always so unsure of that we are not good enough. Think is fantastic – because it only through our behavior against ourselves that will change other peoples view on us and behavior against us. Good for you.!!
We have to learn to love ourselves … before we can accept to be loved by others.
You’re so right, Viveka, we teach others how to treat us, don’t we. Learning to love ourselves with all of our faults is the hardest thing.. xx
Thanks for introducing me to this book my friend 🙂
And lovely healthy sweet bars!!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
You’re very welcome:)
I was also very shy and very timid about joining in a conversation especially if there were several people around, but like you at some point I realized ‘why not’? If I’m not well informed about the subject at hand though I just ‘listen’ or ask questions…. Diane
That’s true too, being informed does help give you confidence and I like the idea of listening and questioning if it’s something you don’t have knowledge of. Well said!
What a timely post, Smidge. I can imagine the conversations you used to have in your head, because I have had them, too. I definitely need to check out the Introvert book you mentioned. Here’s to facing our fears!
Oh, boy.. yes, there were lots of conversations in my head, Ruth! It sounds like we’re much the same.
I hope your children are able to get jobs. It’s great that you’re living in a boom town but I guess the downside is that everyone from near and far descends to take their luck at the opportunities. I love how dark and rich your vegan bars look xx
I hope they do too.. it’s expensive to “subsidize” their activities;)
Your words are true about so many things – jobs, recipes, artistic ventures. Why not me? That is the question I will ask myself more frequently, my friend!
These bars look so tasty – and what a wonderful option for my gluten-free and vegan pals! {Actually, I have a couple of students who fall into those categories and they don’t often get to eat the treats that flow through the studio. This might be a solution!!}
You can tell, Movita.. just look what you’ve accomplished in such a short time!! Your students would love these;)
They look delicious and I’m quite sure I can adapt the recipe outside of Vegan strictures. I have to say that I find the vegan concept as misguided as people who only eat protein or meat. A healthy Mediterranean diet has to make more sense. That’s my rant over:)
I love the Mediterranean diet.. we indulged when visiting Italy last May. The fresh veggies, especially the tomatoes were out of this world. My daughter likes to say she’s a pescetarian. While I would have a difficult time giving up meat for good, I love eating more fish and all veggie dishes. My only trouble with Vegan is that they don’t allow honey. I could never fit in any single “category”.. so I appreciate your rant, Roger:)
I adore homemade protein bars, so much better than anything you can buy, and yours look amazing!
It can be tough to find summer/temporary work, but you are right about “why not me?” thinking, it even changes our posture. All the best to your kids looking for work, our youngest will face that this summer as she returns from school.
Thanks so much, Judy and good luck to your daughter when she’s out looking! I’ll let you know how my kids do:)
These…look….UNREAL! I am so excited with all this vegan baking you’ve been doing!! These would be gone in two days in my house!! I also love the words in this post just as much..I used to be scared too when applying for jobs, and hate inconveniencing people. Without showing your face, and meeting the boss though it’s hard to stand out!! Thankful for my job now, and I had to “push” my way into the store and say hello to be given that opportunity!
Well, Brittany, you’re one inspiring gal when it comes to healthy and vegan!! I’m glad you liked this one! I’m so happy that you’re in your new job and that you’ve turned your life around.. So very proud of you!! xx
I am very aware of what you’r kids are going through in looking for employment, and also the need to weigh the job opportunities for resumé-building. I work with college students and see how trying it is right now. I know yours will do well. It’s a different season than it was even a few years ago, and yes, it’s stressful. And I read the same book as you referenced, finding it very insightful. I’m an outspoken introvert. LOL! We won’t go into that right now, I’d rather talk chocolate. And these bars are just so tasty, I’m sure. Anything with the words “triple chocolate” and then protein, can’t be anything but wonderful. 🙂
Hi there Smidge! I know what you mean about the hurdle it is to get your teenagers in the right mindset to aim for the stars and not the trees. I think it may even be far more competitive here in Hong Kong for teenagers to find internships or jobs. In addition, most jobs require that you are fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English. My eldest has put in over 40 applications for internship jobs and is now looking overseas for other opportunities. I am sure something will turn up for all of our teenagers. On a side note these protein double chocolate little bombs look way to good to be healthy for you. I can’t wait to give them a try. Take care, BAM
Haha, I knew you’d know what I was talking about.. love the tree reference, it made me think of them splatting into the trunk (maybe I shouldn’t say that, what kind of mom am I;) It sounds like your kids have it a lot worse, I can’t imagine having to be fluent in so many languages! I will hope all our kids get something soon!
You’re killing me with all of this chocolate 😀 – it’s a good job I’m about to leave the office and go out for dinner.
Haha, have a great dinner and skip the chocolate.. well, maybe not;) You mentioned an office.. I don’t think you had that writing job when I last read your blog, am I that far behind??
What a *beautiful* post, Barb. Truly inspiring. Doesn’t hurt that it has yummy chocolate goods in it, but really…gently, sweetly, yet powerfully motivational. Hurray!
xoxo,
Kath
Thank you so much, Kathryn! xx
These look so good Barbara! I laughed when I read the ingredients because I have nearly an identical recipe on my blog but I make them as Chocolate Coconut Rice Crispy Treats, instead of in a pan. The only real difference is I dont use oats in mine. Love the addition of the protein powder. I have a vegan chocolate protein powder that is so yummy, I’ll have to try that in mine next time! They look scrumptious 🙂
What a great recipe ! And being a fellow introvert, where you shared the bit about rehearsing your contribution only to find out the conversation had moved on, resonated so strongly with me.
In a world where the person who shouts the loudest is heard, I often struggle, and am continually learning that being an introvert is not a negative, just different, and there are ways for you to leverage a) being an introvert and b) connecting with and getting the most of out other introverts. Just something simple like ensuring that I carve out some quiet time by myself each day works. And I’m also learning to meditate (although I’m still terribly bad at being able to focus on one thing and creating that stillness in my mind). But little steps !! 🙂
I think you’d love the book if you’re an introvert as well. I wonder how many bloggers are introverts?