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Midweek Midlife Moment – The Soulful Chili

Midweek Midlife Moment didn’t come from a big revelation or a perfectly planned routine ~ It came from my kitchen, while snowed in this past weekend.

I made a pot of black bean and sweet potato chili—and it was soulful.
Not just ‘this tastes good,’ but the kind of good that touches your senses…
the warmth, the aroma, the colors, the way it fills the house and slows you down.

There was something deeply nourishing about making it—not just eating it.
Chopping. Stirring. Letting it simmer. I enjoyed the process instead of rushing to the outcome, while my kiddos were hanging out, having fun and playing a game of Scrabble after a soulful supper.

And ... that’s what midlife has been teaching me: Nourishment isn’t only about what we consume. What am I creating, what am I savoring and allowing to be enough in my life each day?

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili is not at all fancy, but it was comforting, grounding, and made with intention. It made me think of midlife and the transformation process looks just like that.

Ingredients (Serves about 4)

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & diced
• 2 cans black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1–2 cups vegetable broth (depending on desired thickness)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Spices (adjust to taste):

• 1½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but soulful) ~ I use Nutmeg instead of Cinnamon
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• Fresh cilantro
• Avocado slices
• Lime squeeze
• Greek yogurt or dairy-free sour cream

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion until soft and fragrant; add garlic and stir briefly.
3. Add sweet potatoes, spices, diced tomatoes, and broth.
4. Simmer 20–25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in black beans and simmer another 10 minutes.
6. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.

*Instant Pot ~ add everything and set for 45 minutes High Pressure

Sometimes God meets us in the quiet faithfulness of everyday moments…
even over a pot of Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili.

Reach out to me and share your favorite comforting recipe!

Rachael D. Arnold, M.Ed., Certified Incite Life Coach
970.279.1818

https://ggtlife.com/