Be Kind, Don't Rewind

They say everyday is a learning day. So here’s what 2020 has taught me…

I’ve learned that I’m not the type of a person who wakes up early in the AM to do BollyX or Yoga. I am however the type of person who wakes up early in the morning to drink my ginger chai and mindlessly clear the clutter in my inbox (mostly scammers…) and scroll through social media (I am addicted to cute dog videos on  Facebook). Don’t get me wrong I do get my workout in but it’s usually in the evenings dance and yoga and if I get both in together, that’s definitely a win!

I’ve learned that I’m not the type of person who bakes delicious looking sourdough bread. I am, however, the type of person who loves loves a cheesy grilled cheese sandwich made with said sourdough bread…so grateful to the Farmer’s Market for keeping me well-stocked in that department (#go local)

I’ve learned that I’m not the type of a person that goes for a socially distanced run on the Bay trails. I am, however the type of a person who likes a leisurely stroll on the trails with the puppy taking pictures of the beautiful blue heron and the graceful leopard sharks. I am so glad my puppy has small legs and doesn’t move very fast or very far…so we get the chance to just take in the views together.

I’ve learnt that though every day might feel like “groundhog day” - mundane and monotonous BUT, I enjoy the time with family, the peace and quiet without the hustle of commute, constant parties and school activities. I don’t feel this incessant need to be outside constantly busy. I have broken my life into the bits and pieces that make sense for now : Family, Work, Working Out and building my mental resilience (it’s a marathon not a sprint!)

Let’s face it this year hasn’t exactly turned out how any of us hoped or mapped out on our vision boards in 2019. However my biggest learning in 2020 has been two things “focus on what I can control” and “don’t dwell on the months lost to this pandemic”. 

And while we are at it - here is a thing we certainly can control...our diets. So this week I made this amazing vegetable barley soup which nourished us inside out on this cold cold day!

Vegetable Barley Soup

What you need?

• 3/4 cup pearl barley
• 1 tsp  Olive Oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves finely chopped
• 2 carrot peeled and diced
• 2 small celery stalks diced
• 2 handfuls beet greens (or any other greens! I had beet greens from the Farmer's Market)
• salt and pepper
• 4 cups chicken Bone Broth
• Braggs Amino Acid (2-3 tablespoon to taste)
• 4 cups water
• Lemon/Lime Juice
• Cilantro for garnish

How to make it?

• Heat oil in Instant Pot on saute mode. Cook garlic and onion until translucent.
• Add carrot, greens, celery,  and barley. Give it a quick mix.
• Season with  salt, and pepper (and amino acid)
• Finally, add water, broth
• Put the lid and cook the soup on manual high pressure for 18 min. 
• Add Lemon juice

Remember, while you are having this delicious soup -we can do this. We ARE doing this everyday day by day…building community and compassion. It needn’t always be pretty.