Reinvent the season, reinvent spring! Each season brings changes to our environment which in turn brings changes to us, how we feel, our frame of mind, our moods... Seasons change each year as well, spring in 2022 was not the same spring as spring 2023, each winter in different, fall and summer. If the seasons change with each year, why can we not reinvent what they mean to us, and what we want to experience??
Since we are in spring let's start here, a perfect place to be. Officially May, a month and a half through this season and what has been different for you? What has been the same? And, what would you like to change? If you can't control the season, you can control how you feel about it and what you want to do. I can use myself as an example, I am in the process of planting my garden, later than usual due to a wet and colder than normal winter. I know the garden can be planted at any time, so I am preparing the soil making it ready to plant, now that it is dryer and we have more sunshine. It hasn't been a very warm start to the season, but I have still changed the way I am eating. Foods that are a bit lighter in taste and ingredients, going for more color in my diet now that seasonal foods have changed. Taking advantage of the sunnier days outside, drinking and reading outdoors, or even though it is a bit chillier this spring, enjoying the sunshine with my coffee or tea sitting by the fire ring. Heading down to the beach for a walk, not warm enough to sit on the beach or get in the water without a wetsuit yet, but I can still soak in the beach, water and waves!!
One thing that can be reinvented with each season is how we eat, I am not just referring to the food we eat, but the environment around us. Indoors, outdoors, table set, cloth napkins, candles or flowers on the table, make it more of an enjoyable moment and experience. Even if you are alone, treat yourself to a meal full of all the pretty things surrounding you. Relax, take your time, even with kids around, your mealtime can be a pleasant experience, it is what you put into it that makes it more enjoyable.
You can reinvent your activities, plan to do some different things this year, somethings you haven't done for a while, take a trip to Disneyland, the zoo, or some local sightseeing activities that you have forgotten about or have taken for granted. Be a tourist in your own hometown, a staycation if sorts. Different restaurants, local parks for picnics, reach out to someone you haven't seen for a while and grab lunch or a coffee.
Change up your exercise routine, if you workout at home take your workout outdoors, some fresh air and sunshine. If you go to a gym, try some new classes or exercises, sign up to work with a trainer for a few months. All good things to change up and challenge you muscle memory. The days are getting longer, try to maybe get up a little earlier in the morning, a brisk early morning walk can be a great way to start your day. Or, get outdoors in the early evenings after work take advantage of the light, find someplace to watch the sunset. Sign up for a sport through you local parks and recreation, or YMCA... Take a class in something you have always wanted to learn to do, or a lesson, so much to do that you haven't even allowed yourself.
Reinvent the season, and in process reinvent yourself. I haven't mentioned that May is my favorite month, not only is it my birthday month but a beautiful month to celebrate Mothers. I also share this birthday month with some amazing women in my life. So, I plan to soak up each day and not wish my weeks and month away!!! A great start to reinventing myself this season!!!
Coconut Shrimp Soup
Ingredients:
2 tbsp coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil
3/4 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined*
kosher salt and black pepper
3 green onions, chopped
2 medium carrots, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
3 tbsp red curry paste
1 can full fat coconut milk
3 cups chicken or veggie broth
3 cups baby spinach
Juice of 2 small limes
1/4 cup cilantro
Directions:
Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove shrimp from the pot and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the green onions, carrots and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper, stir to combine and cook until the veggies soften. Approximately 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and ginger and continue cooking just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the curry paste, coconut milk and broth and stir thoroughly to combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer and stir occasionally for about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the spinach and simmer until the spinach is wilted. Return the shrimp back into the pot and add the cilantro and season additionally with salt and pepper to taste.
You can serve this over rice or just by itself.
*This can be made without shrimp, you can add shredded chicken if you prefer or no animal proteins at all. Just skip the first step of cooking the shrimp and just start cooking the veggies in the heated oil.
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