The Allure of Modesty

The empty can makes the most noise.

— Life is a Recipe

Sometimes social media lacks imagination.  When I check in on my feeds and the social content of the day, it seems like many people show a lot of skin.  When popular socialites and influencers express their “cool” by showing an over-sexualized version of themselves,  teaching modesty becomes quite a difficult task for a mother of 3.  Our children are always learning.  Their minds are always absorbing new information.  I want my girls to know that superficial appeal is one thing.  But being modest and reserved has its own way of being attractive.

Sadly, in today’s media landscape, our children don’t really have too many role models that embrace modesty.  I often have difficult conversations with my daughter about how “the dress is too low” or “the dress is too short.”  She has a very difficult time understanding that there are a lot of creepy men in the world that would not respect her and protect her as a 17 year-old.  But how we present ourselves – how we “package” our image – informs other people of how we respect our self and how we expect others to treat us with that same respect, dignity and class.  Even though it is an uphill battle, I consistently reinforce to my girls that the art of modesty can be even more attractive than baring it all.  And it will most likely attract the type of people that they truly want to be around.

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The dictionary defines modesty as a behavior, manner, or appearance intended to avoid indecency.  Modesty is not just the way we dress but also the way we behave and act.  I’m not one to encourage everyone to become prude.  But an absence of modesty may be a sign that something isn’t quite right on the inside.  An old friend of mine used to have a saying that perfectly illustrated this idea.  He would say, “the empty can makes the most noise.”  I want for my daughters and for your daughters to know that they have a power and beauty that cannot be affected by bad hair days or the social pressures to expose themselves in compromising ways.  They can have the space to grow into beautiful young women and live life to the fullest.  And people who live a fulfilling life are the most alluring.

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Life Recipe:
The Allure of Modesty

  1. Always remember that beauty also comes from your personality, intelligence, and self-confidence.
  2. What you don't show can be as powerful as what you DO show. Leave something "for the imagination."
  3. People DO "judge a book by its cover." It's important to make them go beyond the cover and get to know your real story.

Dinner Recipe:
Chicken Tikka Masala

  • 1 cup of yogurt
  • 1 tbsp of lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp of Life is a Recipe® Tikka Masala Part 1
  • 1 tbsp of minced fresh ginger
  • 1 whole chicken cut in 8-10 pieces (no skin, no fat)
  • 1 tbsp of ghee
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1-3 Serrano finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes chopped
  • 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream or coconut milk
  • 1/2 tsp of salt
  • 2 tsp of Life is a Recipe® Tikka Masala Part 2
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • *Add more salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 tablespoons of Life is a Recipe® Tikka Masala Part 1.

  2. Stir in with chicken, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

  4. Lightly oil the pan.

  5. Bake until the juices run clear.

  6. Melt ghee in a large skillet on medium heat.

  7. Sautée garlic, ginger, and Serrano chili for 1 minute then add chopped tomatoes.

  8. Cover with lid and allow tomatoes to cook.

  9. Add 2 teaspoons of Life is a Recipe® Tikka Masala Part 2 and ½ teaspoon of salt.

  10. Add the chicken to the mixture and stir.

  11. Next, add 1/2 cup of cream or coconut milk, but I find the cream makes this dish yummier.

  12. Add more salt to taste.

  13. Reduce to simmer for 10 minutes for juice to vaporize and garnish with cilantro.

  14. Serve on a bed of rice.

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