Dreaming is the act of exercising the imagination. Our dreams inspire us to reach for more within ourselves through imagining and expanding our personal potential. Dreaming is the first step toward motivation, because it stimulates the mind. Motivation is associated with the neurotransmitter Dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for creating the reward and pleasure systems that contribute to a person’s level of motivation and subsequent function. Low dopamine levels can manifest as depressive symptoms: fatigue, poor productivity, and an inability to concentrate. The body manufactures dopamine by breaking down the amino acid tyrosine. Just to name a few foods that contain tyrosine: EGGS, CHEESE, and AVOCADOS! For a bit of motivation, dopamine, and a mood boost here’s a recipe for baked cheese and egg in an avocado.

Ingredients: one avocado, two eggs, cheese of your choice (I used sliced provolone), one lemon, salt, pepper, olive oil, Near East Pine Nut Couscous, and your imagination.

Start by cutting the avocado in half and removing the pit. Use a spoon to scoop out some of the inside of the avocado to make enough space for the egg and cheese. When you do this, ask yourself if you are making enough space in your life for your dreams. I’m betting you aren’t asking yourself this question often enough. Now, layer the cheese in the empty space within the avocado, leaving enough room for the egg. Then, crack an egg into each of the avocados. Using aluminum foil, create a shell around each of the avocado halves and place them on a baking sheet to put in the oven for 20 minutes on 350 degrees.

If you choose to serve it on a bed of couscous, I suggest Near East Pine Nut Couscous. Nuts also help in maintaining sufficient dopamine levels. And it only takes a five quick minutes to cook! Add the Near East spice pack, the couscous, and a splash of olive oil to 1 and 1/4th cup of boiling water. Then, remove from heat and cover for 5 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice onto the couscous once it is done.

Remember to dream today. Dream big, because no dream is ever bigger than your potential. Dream it, so you can do it. Our dreams give us the courage to follow our hearts. Our hearts are beautiful and so are our dreams. We aren’t defined by our moods. We are not a diagnosis. We are not the clothes we wear. We are not the money in our wallets. We are not the number on the scale. We are our imaginations, our compassion and so, so much more. Live your biggest dream. Be your biggest dream. Dream.