Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, struggling to start a letter, essay, or journal entry? Trust me, I’ve been there. I decided to shake things up a bit and dive into a topic that might pique your interest. So, here’s why I’m embarking on something new for 2025.

Every year, many of us kick off with grand New Year’s resolutions. For me, it’s writing this article. But have you ever wondered why we call them “resolutions” when we haven’t even started yet? Shouldn’t a resolution mean something we’ve resolved, analyzed a complex notion, or accomplished? Often, we dream up extraordinary plans, only to abandon them halfway through.

I chatted with a friend, and we decided to start journaling. The idea was to unload everything cluttering our minds onto paper. I listed all the things I wanted, needed, and never got around to doing. You know, the infamous procrastination list. By the time I was done, I had half a book of tasks, and the urge to put it off until tomorrow was strong. Procrastination strikes again!

Seeing that list was overwhelming. It felt like a massive “TO DO” list, and just reading it gave me heart palpitations. I realized I was my own worst enemy. It was a moment of pure mental clutter, like a Pepto Bismol commercial: “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is.”

But then, I felt empowered to tackle my list on my terms. I had an epiphany: I hadn’t made my Black-Eyed Peas for the new year. So, I made black-eyed pea soup, knocking one item off my list. No need to wait until 2026!

The takeaway? Write it down. When you see it, you’ll accomplish it. We’re competitive beings, and we won’t let a procrastination list beat us. Enjoy the black-eyed pea soup—it’s a comforting reward for conquering procrastination.

Black-Eye Peas Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound – Dry Black Eye Peas
• 8-ounce Impossible Vegetarian Sausage (thawed and rolled into tiny meatballs – found in the frozen Breakfast or Vegetable section in supermarket)
• 2 Fresh Large Tomatoes (diced – ¾ – 1 cup)
• 1 large smoked turkey wing or 10 slices of turkey or beef bacon (optional for meat lovers)
• 1 large Red Onion (diced – ¾ cup)
• 1 medium Vidalia or Yellow Onion (diced – ½ cup)
• 5 large Garlic Cloves (minced – 1 Tablespoon))
• 1 ½ cup Russet Potato (diced medium size)
• 1 ½ cup of Sweet Potato (diced medium size)
• ¼ cup of Fresh Cilantro (finely chopped) or 1 ½ Tablespoons dry Cilantro Seasoning
• 1 ½ Tablespoon Adobo Seasoning (or1 Tablespoon of Salt)
• 1 ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika 
• 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning
• 2 Tablespoons Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning
• 5 cups of Vegetable Broth (for vegetarians) or Chicken Broth (for meat lovers)
• 3 cups of Water (use 7 cups of water to replace Broth for individuals w/hypertension)
• 2 ½ cups Spinach (or use collard, kale, mustard, or turnip greens for a heartier soup)

Directions:

1. Soak dry Black-Eyed Peas in a large pot for 1 to 2 hours. You will see foreign items or pea shells float to the top. Rinse and soak for an additional ½ hour and discard any additional shells or foreign objects.
2. Rinse and drain water from Peas
3. 1 Large Crock Pot Slow Cooker on HIGH)
   1. Add all ingredients
   1. Cook for 6 hours or until you see a thick consistency.

This is a great meal to cook before you leave for work or begin your daily activities.

Serves 6-8 medium bowls of soup