Rare Signs of a Special Soul

According to Carl Jung, among the millions of people on this planet, only the very few carry certain rare signs. If you recognize these signs in yourself, you may belong to that exceptional group—people who are different, profound, and hard to come by.

They are not loud or showy.  They think differently, feel differently, and live differently.  Their souls seem to touch a depth that most of us cannot reach. And their presence often leaves a lasting impression on others.

Carl Jung—the master of analytical psychology—once compared these personalities to “torches in the dark.”  They may be solitary, yet they are also guides.  They are few, but precisely because of that scarcity, they are treasures of humanity. So, do you carry these special signs within yourself?

1. Choosing morality over personal gain

When faced with difficulties, most people weigh risks and personal benefits.  But rare souls look beyond material gain, considering ethical values and the impact on their inner being. They only make choices when those align with their conscience.

2. Thinking deeply and asking uncommon questions

You often ponder things that few people care about, sometimes feeling lonely because no one seems to share your questions.  But this is not a weakness—it is the gift Jung called “seeing through the veil of illusion.”  It allows you to become a light for others.

3. Daring to say what others don’t

In crowds, you may feel uncomfortable, even alienated within your own family.  Yet your courage to speak the truth, even when others stay silent, is a mark of rare strength—though it may cause you to be seen as “eccentric.”

4. Being a source of support for others

You naturally empathize with the sorrow of others, willingly listen, and offer unconditional help.  This rare gift acts like an “antenna” that picks up emotional signals, allowing you to live with compassion and help heal those around you.

5. Feeling like you don’t belong anywhere

Since childhood, you may have carried thoughts far beyond your age, drawn to questions “not meant for children.”  This sense of difference can make you feel isolated, unable to blend into noisy conversations.  Yet this very difference shapes you into one of the rare souls in adulthood.

6. Courageously defending the truth

In an environment full of deceit, where many strive only to move ahead, you remain steadfast in protecting what is right—even if it means being hurt or rejected by the majority. This is the mark of a brave heart.

7. Having convictions, living by conscience

You trust your own reasoning and act in ways you will not regret.  This is done not rigidity, but integrity grounded in conscience. You cannot lie to yourself just to satisfy the crowd.

---

Conclusion

If you find one or more of these signs within yourself, congratulations—you are a rare soul. Treasure and cultivate these qualities, even if it means walking alone at times is when remember: you are a “torch” shining for truth and justice, and you will never betray your own conscience just to hide or please the masses.

Vietnamese Tuna Salad: A Fusion of Freshness and Flavor

That that This Vietnamese Tuna Salad is a vibrant twist on a classic dish, where bold Southeast Asian flavors meet the simplicity of Western comfort food.  Packed with protein-rich tuna, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing made from fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, it’s a refreshing and nutritious meal that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying.  The roasted rice powder adds a subtle nuttiness and crunch, while mint, cilantro, and green onions bring brightness and depth.  Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a flavorful side, this East-meets-West creation delivers a delicious balance of tang, umami, and freshness in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of tuna (drained)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp roasted rice powder (see recipe below)
• Herbs: 1 cup mixed mint, cilantro, and green onions, chopped

Dressing ingredients:

• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp sugar

Directions:

1. Making the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar until well combined.  Adjust to taste—add more lime for sourness, fish sauce for saltiness, or sugar for sweetness.
2. Assembling the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine tuna, dressing, sliced onion, roasted rice powder, and chopped herbs. Toss gently until evenly coated.
3. Serving: Plate the salad and serve with fresh lettuce leaves on the side.

How to Make Roasted Rice Powder:

1. For this recipe, use 2 tbsp sweet (glutinous) rice.  To make a larger batch, toast ½ cup sweet rice and store it for later use.
2. In a nonstick pan, add the sweet rice along with three kaffir lime leaves.  Toast over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the rice turns golden brown.
3. Remove and discard the kaffir lime leaves.  Let the toasted rice cool completely.
4. Grind the cooled rice in a small food processor until it becomes a fine powder.
5. Store the roasted rice powder in a glass jar with a tight lid—it will keep for several months.

How to make roasted rice powder:

For this recipe, use 2 tbsp of sweet rice. However, you can use 1/2 cup sweet rice to make a larger batch for later use.

In a nonstick pan, add sweet rice with three kiefer lime leaves.  Turn the heat to medium and toast the rice until golden brown.  Discard the kiefer lime.  Let it cool

Place the cool roasted rice in a small food processor and blend it into powder.

Keep the roasted rice powder in a glass jar with a lid, and you can keep it for months.

Cheese Sables: A Golden Bite of Nostalgia and Charm

There’s something quietly elegant about a Cheese Sable—crisp, buttery, and infused with the kind of savory warmth that makes you pause mid-bite and smile.  These golden biscuits aren’t just snacks; they’re little invitations to slow down, pour a drink, and savor the moment.  I first discovered this recipe tucked inside the well-worn pages of an old cookbook called Good Eating, and it’s been a quiet favorite ever since.

With just a handful of humble ingredients—flour, butter, cheese, and a touch of sour cream—these sables come together effortlessly, yet taste like something you’d find at a cozy French café or a well-set holiday table.  Whether you’re hosting friends, prepping a lunch spread, or simply treating yourself, they’re the kind of bite-sized joy that turns any occasion into something special.

Ready to bake a little comfort into your day?  Let’s begin.

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ⅓ cups mixed cheese (shredded)
• 1 stick (½ cup) cold unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions:

1.     In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and shredded cheese.

2.     Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture.  Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

3.     Stir in the sour cream and mix until a soft dough forms.  Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

4.     Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the chilled dough into a thin sheet.  Using a 2½-inch cookie cutter, cut out crackers until all the dough is used.

5.     Place the cut-out crackers onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.  Sprinkle each with sesame seeds, pressing them lightly so they stick.

6.     Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

7.     Allow to cool slightly before serving.  Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

 

Chef’s Tip: For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs to the dough.