I came across this video last night and it really got me thinking. If I could go back in time to give my younger self some advice, what would I tell her?

Before watching the video, I think I would have handed my younger self a looooong list of “mistakes” to avoid and people to steer completely clear of . There was so much in my past that I wished I could change.(Something I think most of my readers can relate to)

The kid in video, when faced with the list of mistakes, crumbles it and asks his older self a few questions that completely change his perspective.I decided to use the kid’s reasoning, and ask myself the same questions

Do you like who you are now?the person who you have become?

Blessfully, yes. I do.

Would changing those incidences in your past make you stronger?wiser? kinder?or smarter?

The answer is no, to each and every question. Actually come to think of it, it was those mistakes (in part at least)that made me stronger, wiser, kinder and smarter!

Sure the mistakes were hard and painful but each mistake taught me a  lesson , pushed me to try harder, be smarter the next time around and kinder to those who go through the same experience.They were opportunities for me to grow.Grow as a human being and grow”my inner muscles” as the kid puts it.

To be stronger…wiser..kinder …and smarter!

Looking at the past from this new perspective makes it so much easier to let go of, and makes being kinder to that younger you,and  to the current you easier.You no longer blame yourself for not seeing the storms come. Instead you pat yourself on the back for not only surviving but for conquering each and every storm.

If I could go back in time to tell my younger self anything,I would just give her a hug and one message.

You will make it through it all

and I’ll see you on the other side with a big smile on my face 🙂

Now tell me, If YOU could go back in time to give your younger self a message what would you tell them?

Today’s recipe is from the Turkish cuisine . After all the crazy events in Turkey over the past few weeks, it seems only fitting to share one of my favorite Turkish recipes (lighting a candle and focusing on the positives instead of cursing the darkness)

This lentil and bulgur soup is comforting, filling and nutritious. I love the fact that compared to regular lentil soup, this one is packed with vegetables. The veggies not only add flavor but they also add color and nutritional value to the soup.

I love serving this soup with a squeeze of lemon juice (because in my book, you can’t have lentil soup without a touch of lemon juice) and some homemade croutons. It is a great way to start a meal or if you’re like me and can’t stand a heavy meal when it is 46+C outside, this soup also makes a wonderful lunch with a bright salad or a sandwich on the side.

You can puree the salad to get it to be super smooth and creamy , I personally prefer mine as is. The texture of the bulgur and the veggies is worth a try before you reach for that hand mixer.

Lentil and bulgur soup

1 cup red lentils

1/2 cup bulgur

3-4 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion chopped

2 cloves garlic minced

1 tomato chopped into 1 cm cubes

6 cups water

1 carrot cut into 1 cm cubes

1 potato cut into 1 cm cubes

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt to taste

 

 

Start by washing the bulgur and the lentils 2 or 3 times

Cover in water and allow to soak for 30 minutes

In a pot saute the onions for 3-4 minutes, add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes (until fragrant)

Add the carrots and potatoes, cook for 3-5 minutes

Add the tomatoes and water.

Cook over medium heat till the vegetables are cooked through (around 20 minutes)

Add the lentils,bulgur, coriander, salt and cumin

Cook over medium heat for 20 -30 minutes (You may need to add more water as different kind of bulgur absorb water differently)

You can puree the soup if you like it smooth or serve it as is (I personally do not puree it. I love the chunky texture)