Third places disconnect us and force us to break our routines and cycles of stress and sit us down to focus on relaxing, communing with others, and strengthening our neighborhoods.

This jambalaya recipe produces a wonderful dinner for a party. As you’re cooking, you’ll realize it’s quite simple. It makes a lot of virtually a stew, especially when it’s ladled over rice.

Whenever I feel stressed, anxious, mad, or even excited, I always try to listen to what I need. Take a second to pause, breathe, and think because it will all work out and be okay.

Being thankful for not only things but the people around me who support, love, and root for me changed something within. The little annoyances that are just a part of life went unnoticed.