Today…has been an infuriatingly unproductive day. Usually, that would get me all stressed out. But you know what? Screw my numerous impending research essays. Screw my upcoming finals! This week…it’s all about Thanksgiving, and I refuse to let my spirits be badgered down by schoolwork.
In fact, I’ve got an ear-splitting grin across my face right now. I can’t seem to stop smiling! Each time my cheeks start to relax, I remember yet another reason to give thanks to God, and my cheeks split into a foolish grin again. Don’t look at me now, I’m scary-looking with all the gleaming teeth. 
You know, Thanksgiving might be one of my favorite celebrations in America. I just love, love, love the idea of families gathering together over roasted turkey and cranberry sauce, joining hands to reflect over the year, and coming up with countless reasons to give thanks.
However, as we all know, Thanksgiving shouldn’t be just limited to one single day. Many people say things like, “I’m thankful for my family, my friends, blah blah blah…” Well, of course we’ve got to be thankful for our friends and families! In fact, we should be expressing our gratitude for that every single day! Which is why for me, Thanksgiving has a different meaning. There are just so many freaking reasons to give thanks, that a single day is simply not enough. Thus Thanksgiving should be a daily, habitual activity…so what makes this particular occasion special?
Well, first of all…let’s face it. Given our busy lifestyles and duties, we usually forget to give thanks. For me, I need a specially assigned day in which I stop everything I’m doing, sit down, and have a good reflection over the course of the year.
Second of all…as I do my reflection…I come to realize that I not only have to give thanks for the good, fortunate things in my life…I also have to give thanks for all the things that gave me pain, sufferings, and hardships. And that’s when I start receiving many revelations, and come to peace with many of the grudges, worries anxieties, and wounds I’ve held over the year.
This year of 2009 has been a significant year for me. 11 months ago, I was still barely 60 lbs. 11 months ago, I still didn’t know if I would ever make it to college. 11 months ago, I was still teetering between desire to die, and desire to recover and live.
And then, my dream came true. Recovery became an increasingly easy and smooth process as I overcame many challenges, many obstacles and irrational thoughts and behaviors. I got into college. I even got a scholarship.
But was it happily ever after from then onwards? Nope.
I was out of the world of ED, but I was still, well, living in this world, and dealing with the daily problems and struggles of a normal person. I struggled with adjusting to a college life as I faced criticisms and bad grades that seriously wavered my self-confidence. I had a few personal dramas and tantrums. I had a few relationship troubles. And I still struggle to be a good person, a good Christian, a good student, a good friend.
But you know what? I give thanks for all of that. I’m not bullshitting here…I really and truly give thanks for everything:
I give thanks that I am dealing with all these normal problems…because that means I no longer am consumed with ED problems.
I give thanks that I had bad grades and struggled with school, because that taught me not to be so cocky about my intelligence. In fact, it really humbled me and gave me an attitude to want to learn and experience, and not just to earn good grades.
I give thanks for my personal dramas and tantrums, because that means I am no longer numb with emotions. I’m learning to be a real human being again with real, passionate emotions. Now, I just need to find a good balance (and not act like I have permanent PMS).
I give thanks for the relationship troubles that I had, because it taught me to trust God and not man. It also taught me to be more understanding towards others, to view others’ situation in a less selfish perspective.
That was long. I wish I could go on and on, but the food is running cold, and I’m sure your eyes are starting to glaze over. Well, stick a ruler up your eyelids, because you want them to be wide open for this freaking amazing dish I’m going to share with you.
It’s my own rendition of the ultimate Japanese comfort food, Ochazuke, by going tropical-style. Ochazuke is a dish in which hot tea is poured over cooked rice topped with a few simple ingredients such as pickles and leftover fish. It’s supposed to be made with leftovers, but hey, I’m a poor college student and I don’t get many meals with good fish. So here is my tropical version of the Ochazuke:
Tropical Ochazuke
Basic Ingredients:
Sophia’s “Bonus” Ingredients: Optional Ingredients: First, divide the rice into two dishes: I had aside extra nori and bonito flakes to add in while eating: Well, I hope all of you have a great and blessed Thanksgiving, full of love and cheer and of course, gratitude! Question of the day: Aside from all the usual things to give thanks for, can you think of one “bad” thing…that you’re thankful for now?
Meanwhile, blend the mango, soy sauce, honey, gochujang, mustard, and red pepper flakes in a food blender: 
Next, glaze the salmon fillet with the mango-mixture, then press down a good handful of the Oregon Dukkah on top: 
Heat up a frying pan, and sear the salmon on each side until cooked through. Ladle it over the rice, and top with nori:
Have ready a pot of hot green tea: 
And then pour away! 
Top with bonito flakes (they dance, by the way, so COOL!): 
And you’re done! 
In case you’re wondering this is Oregon Dukkah: 
I got it as a sample from the Foodbuzz Festival, and it’s toasted coconut combined with roasted hazelnuts, sesame seeds and spices. Sounds good? Tastes fabulous! I can’t wait to experiment more with this! 
And also a bowl of chopped green onions to sprinkle on top: 
As for the soy sauce, use it if you need more flavor. But honestly, it’s still great without. 
Total comfort food. 
It’s amazingly healthy, too. I think this will be a good meal to make after a few days of stuffing yourself during Thanksgiving, don’t you think?
Maybe you can substitute the fish with leftover turkey! Get creative with this! 
By the way, my parents are overseas in China right now, so I can’t even call them during Thanksgiving…but thank God, because a couple in church invited me over for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday…so I won’t have to spend Thanksgiving alone! 
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That was a very interestin dish u cooked up!
Mango, tangy and sweet and then green tea! Yummss..
Bad thing to be thankful for?
Sigh..I dont think I have any..i mean ..i so hate those nasty stuffs that happened to me!
Well.. I can say taht I ‘m OVERALL grateful to EVERYTHING bad thing?
cos its the combination of all that happened that made me stronger..but i stil do wish they havent happened! ;p
Haha ‘permanent PMS’
I’m thankful for my bout of disordered eating 2 years ago because it led me to an interest in nutrition, a habit of exercising, and the introduction to the world of food blogs and along with that so many new friends. Although there are negative aspects of what happened, I am thankful for everything I’ve learned throughout the process.
I LOVE this post and you won’t believe how happy I am for you…and so proud!
I am thankful for my recovery and for meeting wonderful people like you during that time!:)
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
i cannot express how sweet that is of the family to have you over for thanksgiving. No one should be alone and when you said your parents were in china, I got so sad I was going to invite you over!
You will have a great thanksgiving. I couldn’t agree more that we shouldn’t take this one day to show how we are thankful, we should be thankful each and everyday 
Much like valentines day to show love for someone, you should show them love all year round!
I think you make a really good point here. It IS important to give thanks for our struggles, because they have made us into the people we are today. I, too, am thankful for my struggles because they teach me something new everyday.
Have a happy happy Thanksgiving!
I really want to thank to the stress (research related) that I’m going through now! I try hard but still not getting there!
Hope you have a great thanksgiving with you family and continue to smile all day long!
I am thankful that I made it out alive from a very bad relationship a few years ago and I now have a wondrful husband. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, it’s just sometimes that tunnel is longer than for others. Trust me, you will always get out. Nothing is easy and everything takes work. Success can only be acheived if you put in an effort in order to see the benefits. Never assume good things will fall in your lap. I am thankful that I now know this. Oh, and I am thankful you will not be alone on Thanksgiving!
WOW, Sophia, what a year it has been for you! I mean, really, WHAT. A. YEAR. You have accomplished so much. I’m so grateful for your health and for your renewed spirit. There’s a reason that, when you were on the line of life and death, you chose life, and you were able to recover. There’s a reason the road suddenly started to become smooth. I am so proud and so grateful for your returned spirit, passion, and heath. Happy Thanksgiving, Sophia!
My hubby and I were just revealing the things that we were thankful for last night, and the first thing I said was my health. I think we all take this one for granted all too much.
I find it extremely honorable that you can see gratefulness in the struggles you have endured. You are so correct, these only make us stronger and truly contribute to the person we become.
You have so much to be thankful for this year and I am wishing you the most amazing Thanksgiving dear Sophia!
I got chills reading this! You are incredible and so inspiring…and I am so happy that the wonderful couple in church invited you for the holiday!!
I am so intrigued by this post’s recipe – I am such a sucker for any type of oriental food and it looks amazing. I’m kindof scared of rice though so we will have to see if I can muster up the courage to try it
Honestly, I am thankful for my ED. I am not thankful for the turmoil it has caused me, but I think that having these struggles under my belt makes me a more compassionate and understanding person.
Have an amazing holiday, you truly deserve it!
xox
Tat
Sophia, this is a great post! Every post I read of yours I can tell you’re healing!
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Omg, you’re one hell of a cooker! Look at this dish O_O! Yummy, my fave pic is the last one with green onions
I am thankful that my parents pushed me to learn chinese, even though back then, I didn’t want to bc i was lazy and only wanted to watch TV and not care about the future. Now that I know how to speak mandarin, I am so happy bc it will be easier to find a good job
xoxo
As always, fabulous and inspiring post and just what I needed to hear today. I’m thankful for that…
But as for your question, there are a lot of things and I agree that everything is a learning experience (although I would rather not learn some things.) Anyway, I think the fact that I’ve always had to work hard for what I have–nothing was handed to me and it was always hard work–really makes me appreciate my accomplishments and everything I have.
If I was just given things, I might take them for granted and not realize what a blessing the journey was to get there.
i give thanks to having found that light at the end of the tunnel. after 6 years of anorexia my body has finally stood up and said enough is enough neela. the game is over for you. either you recover and take care of your stomach or you can die a slow and painful death.
so here i am, living my life. and it’s not so bad after all. so here’s to that! i am thankful for my body to just show me that the games we play are not so innocent after all!
happy thanksgiving sophia
loads of care
Good for you. Can’t really relate. But Happy T-Giving!!
And yes, they are GIANT GUMMI BEARS on my BLOG – hahah – I get them purposefully so I can chew their heads off
Oh I am really touched by this blog. I didn’t know that you have gone through so much pain, and so glad to hear that everything is going well again. I hope you are healthy for good!
I love the idea of pouring tea over the rice ! kind of tea porridge? bonito flakes always are my favorite toppings, but they are so hard to find in the supermarket here!
have a great thanks giving!
Thanksgiving was my favourite holiday when I lived in America. I loved the anticipation, the build up, and the thrill of those few days off work, spending time with family and friends. For just a short time, everyone was walking to the same beat of the same drum.
Have a lovely holiday!
Yum, your food always looks so delicious, even though I’ve never heard of half of it and I Can’t pronounce it…..yum!
Regarding your comment on my blog, yes, I can eat apples with other sources of glucose. The problem with apples is that they have a high “free fructose” content which makes them harder to digest. Consuming them with other products with glucose helps the absorption and decreases the discomfort.
I am thankful for having had an eating disorder five years ago, and being able to relate to so many women who are either going through it now, or are recovering. I have a real passion for working with girls/boys with eating disorders, and this never would have developed without having had one myself! WEIRD!
HAve a great day tomorrow Sophia. Enjoy all the food, and keep that huge grin on your face!
I agree with everyone’s comments. It’s important to be grateful for the good that comes from the bad. I loved reading your story and it is always an inspiration to see how much you’ve triumphed in this past year. Hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful and that nothing wipes that smile off you face! xoxo
You are such a beautiful person
And I am definitely grateful for all loss I’ve dealt with in my experiences, only because it DOES make me more grateful in the end for what I have.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving- your recipes always look sooo good!
First comment! YAY lol
As I mentioned in my recent e-mail to a few of you bloggers, I’m thankful, in a way, for ED because through my struggles I “met” you wonderful ladies. I also learned to embrace God in my darkest times. I have been able to give up my much desired control to Him and trust that He will lead me in the right direction.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
As we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving I don’t have a certain day when I give thanks, or think what I’m thankful for , but everyday things in life make me thankful for what I have, a loving family, boyfriend and friends, my health, a warm, safe, comfortable home to live in, a great job I enjoy and of course this wonderful blogging community
i am thankful for being stuck away at school alone. it taught me so much about myself, i have been out of my comfort zone and realized that i can survive on my own, but it also made me realize that i like to be around people as well and i appreciate others more that i ever have.
this post is beautiful and incredibly insightful, sophia you are an amazing inspiration and you give me hope that i can return to normal problems of life, rather than Ed created problems.
and i only wish to one day be as wonderful a cook as you, that dish looks so delicious.
happy thanksgiving dear, never stop smiling
xoxo
Whoa, that dish is so creative! Tea!? Although, my mouth is drooling most over that salmon. Holy yum.
Okay, moving on. I totally agree that we need to be thankful for the bad things in our life too. I know I’ve gone on about all the negative things that came out of my parent’s divorce, but I really am thankful for it. My family is so much better for it, and it’s made us the people we are today. Just like your ED has made you the incredibly strong person you are today
Our challenges in life are what makes us strong. Happy Thanksgiving!
hey hey! ochazuke!!!!!! looks delicious! i love salmon.
omg. i love turkey too. i’m thankful for costco’s turkey breast that’s the size of my thigh.
hahaah sleeping on the floor- when i visit my dad in taiwan we only sleep on the floor. apparenlty it’s good for your back?
Well you know what, I’m thankful that you’re doing better! Have a great Thanksgiving
Great post honey!
One bad thing that I am thankful for now is when I broke up with my ex a few years back. That breakup is what started my healthy lifestyle =)
Happy Thanksgiving honey
i LOVE this positive post!! you deserve an amazing thanksgiving..have a great one girl!
Such a good point to be thankful for hard times. They are often so much more telling and meaningful than the good ones.
yes I <3 ice cream hehe…
Such an exotic dish! You are one creative cook!
I am thankful for too much to put here, sorry…
have a great thanksgiving Sophia!
XO
Laci
Sophia – WOW!~ that dish looks awesome! who would even THINK to add green tea to a dish?!?!!? Looks great!!
I love how open and honest you are on this site! I’m really thankful for food and the ability to see, taste, smell and chew food – what a blessing!!
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!!!
Awesome dish, I’ve never seen anything like it!!
I usually get caught up in the fact that I want Thanksgiving to hurry up and get out of the way b/c Christmas is coming! I look at it as a speedbump b/w two of my favorite holidays (Halloween and Christmas). Plus, I don’t really like any of the Thanksgiving food – blah! The past few years I’ve been trying to get past that and appreciate the fact that we gather w/ others and are thankful.
I think I’m thankful for all of my bad hardships b/c they have ea. taught me things the hard way like compassion, maturity, patience, etc. I try to take a few minutes ea. night to say a prayer for little things like my health, friends and family, and having a home and food. I know they’re small, but it’s overwhelming to think that some ppl don’t even have that to be thankful for!
girlie i love your outlook on holiday cheer vs. worries about schoolwork!!! I completely slept through my class this morning after staying up late waiting for my sis to get home from college…and freaked out for a minute, but then remembered it’s the holiday season so i’m not going to think about school until monday! your recipes are always look AMAZINGly delicious, and you don’t even have a full kitchen…watch out you’ll be ‘cook book status’ next year!!
I hope you have a great day chica!!!
oh man that is definitely total comfort food. It is so much like the taiwanese oyster porridge that my dad LOVES, but you really made it so much more gourmet!!!
Hmmm I think one “bad” thing that i am thankful about is that I was overweight for a huge part of my life. Losing the weight and becoming more “average” put so much strength in me and helped me find something inside taht i never i knew i had. It definitely made me stronger person…not just the whole weight loss process, but while i was overweight, the bullying, the taunts. All those made me stronger.
There! I said it. That was scary. Hope your thanksgiving is so so wonderful Sophia!
Wow! That dish looks amazing. So creative and I love the comfort factor of it! Fabulous!
Well for me, Im thankful for all the hardship Ive had this past year. Its been kind of a tough year, but I think its really shaped me into who I am today. Made me stronger and really helped focus me onto a path of just overall happiness. So even though it was rough I’m thankful for it=)
wonderful post sophia! there are many trials that i hated when going through them, but have come to appreciate them for the strength they’ve given me, have a great thanksgiving!
I’m thankful for having to work overtime every day and 7 days a week this month, carrying a blackberry to check and reply emails, being on standby during my off hours, and being unable to even manage my personal time every single day.
I’m thankful for all this, because it means I’m a person who can help others. ^^
Great attitude, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
It’s been ages since I’ve made ochazuke, but I do love it so… Thanks for reminding me about this dish!
Awesome post, your story is truly inspirational Sophia!!
I’ve never had ochazuke before, but it looks so comforting with that green tea over the top!
Wow! that looks so delicious! Anything with nori or seaweed im definatly a huge fan of <3
Something "bad" i am thankful for…? oh thats a tough question… maybe my phone? are phones bad? TV. haha. the little things that we dont need.
I’m glad you’re happy. That makes me happy. I like it when people are happy. I don’t think I can say the word “happy” enough. It a good word. It’s a picker-upper word. Happy. lol.
I’m actually thankful for every mistake that happens. Even the little one. They’re always building blocks to help shape where we will head in our lives. One bad thing I’m thankful for is when I accidentally hit the bumper of another car. It was a light tap. Now I’m more cautious when pulling to a stop.
Oooh, great post, Sophia! I love your bonus ingredients in your recipe…so delish! I was recently reading a cookbook and I came across a delicious-looking recipe that called for bonita flakes. I’ve never tried them before but now that I’ve seen them in your recipe too, I know it’s fate! I’ll have to pick some up!
I left a little something for you on my blog, I hope you like it!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ohhh you’ve learnt alot of things over the year, it is truely amazing to read how far along you’ve come, you are in such an incredibly better place now and to think you’ve managed it all in 11 months
, I would love to be able to achieve all you have done as well.
AN interesting looking dish above, sounds like a nice combination of flavours.
Great post Sophia! It’s so true – we focus on all the “normal” good things in our lives, that we don’t realize the hardships and the “bad” that have led us to where we are today. I give thanks to my injured knee. It made me realize my overtraining was too extensive and it has helped me make peace with exercise and my weight – that we don’t need to go on extensive runs everyday to live a healthy and happy life!
You are so funny Sophia, when I look back on the crap I made in college. Kraft Macaroni and cheese in a box was about the extent of it, your food is astounding!! I love the idea of pouring tea on it. I’ve made pasta with green tea before to get some extra vitamins, but haven’t done that in a while.
I just also wanted to say I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! I am attempting to make a turkey for only the 2nd time in my life, so we’ll see how that goes!
I love this post! Have a great holiday weekend!
happy thanx giving!!
Happy thanksgiving!
I am grateful for loved ones in my life and for my good health!
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