Why I run (a letter to myself)

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Bhanu Misra Marya

I’ve been running since high-school. Well technically I started running cross country (3km?) when I was in middle school. So really, I’ve been running since i was 10 or 11 years old.

Pinterest, Running, Running Inspiration, Runner

My oldest memory of running was running with the middle school cross country team during early morning practice through a forest/ravine behind our school. I can’t believe I had that level of discipline! Although, being disciplined doesn’t really feel like work when you are doing something you really love.

Runner, Running Inspiration, Runner, Stride

So it’s safe to say I’ve always been running. And I want to continue running. So I am writing this letter to myself as a reminder to keep running. Whether the way I run changes (distance, time, speed) – I want to remind myself what running means to me.

1) Running is my moving meditation

2) Running brings me greater awareness to my capabilities

3) Running allows me to disconnect

4) Running makes me feel like I am flying

5) Running makes me grateful

6) Running allows me to connect with my natural environment

7) Running brings me immediate relief from overbearing emotions

8) After a run, I can think more clearly and make better decisions

9) Running is my favourite cardio

10) Running makes me feel fit

11) Running helps me organize my mind

12) Running makes me creative

13) Running has taught me over and over again, there is always room for growth

14) Running is as much about my physical capability as it is about my mental resilience

15) Run every day, because I only regret the runs I missed

16) Running always starts with walking first

Running Motivation, Winter Running, Cold Weather Running, Reasons to Run

Reviving our vegetable garden

Posted on August 5, 2020 by Bhanu Misra Marya

I’ve been day dreaming about writing this post of weeks! But with the current state of affairs, it’s been impossible for me to find the time to complete it. I’ve started this draft, added to it, left it for days and then back to it over the last several weeks!

This actually sounds very similar to the relationship I’ve had with our garden this year.

Celery, Regrow, Start Your Own Garden, Backyard Garden

It’s been even harder to give our garden the same amount of attention it has received in previous years.

Celery, Regrow, Start Your Own Garden, Backyard Garden

(That being because most of my energy is divided between the family in my home and myself. #PandemicLife)

I had big plans for last year. I wanted to have a new layout and really try NEW things. But that unfortunately just didn’t happen.

Thankfully, the girls and mister have really pulled through and kept up with the harvesting, watering, pest watch and overall love that a backyard garden requires.

Ontario, Start Your Own Garden, Backyard Garden

Before the weed clean up!

After cleaning out the weeds, turning the soil and adding fresh earth.

You may already know that we had planted garlic last fall and then at the beginning of April we made an order for several plants from a local nursery, we picked them up mid May and planted them May 20th!

So initially we planted garlic in the fall. Then in the spring, we planted: tomatoes (2), eggplant, cucumber, zucchini and sweet bell pepper in the garden bed. Later in the summer we added long green beans and radish seeds! In pots we have a celery, mint and green onion. We received our plants from a nursery and planted them in our garden bed on May 20th.

The harvest was slow! We didn’t receive our first tomato until sometime in July (I think because we planted so early and because there was a few very cold days that happened between May and June. But here we are and our garden is in full swing.

Read more about my gardening adventures! Starting tomatoes in pots, lessons learned and other herbs.

Our first ever garlic scapes

Posted on July 9, 2020 by Bhanu Misra Marya

I am a HUGE fan of garlic. The aroma and the smell and even how they look get me very excited. I am definitely that person who sees a recipe asking for 2-3 cloves but add 8-10 instead LOL!

So last summer, after closing up the garden I realized that I wanted to expand into new herbs and veggies. And on a whim, we received some backyard garden garlic from a co-worker and right before the 1st winter storm we planned 6 cloves!

So these cloves have been in the garden since NOVEMBER. And we won’t actually know if the clove have turned into actual bulbs, but we’ve already reaped some harvest from the labour: scapes!

Now if you haven’t heard of scapes before it’s because they are very rare and hard to find at your regular garlic stores. They are usually the first produce found at farmers market and aren’t in season for very long.

We only got 5 scapes at the first harvest, but they were ahamazing! We grilled them with a little bit of EVOO and salt. They tasted really fresh, consistency of asparagus and onion with a hint of garlic.

I will definitely plant more garlic next year just for the scapes!

Unlearn & Relearn + Books we are reading

Posted on July 6, 2020 by Bhanu Misra Marya

The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward. // Ijeoma Oluo

Racism has always been here. But we’ve haven’t been forced to sit with it in this way. And although I’ve talked to the girls a few years ago about the colour of our skin and acceptance (I think I felt compelled to after there was talk about cultural appropriation in the media), it really needs to be an ongoing conversation that will become more difficult with time.

I’ve read or watched so many articles and broadcasts on the topic so I am doing my best to unlearn what I now realize is not serving the people of society and relearn where I need to improve on. I should say that this one started it all, and the others like this helped me realize what my privilege is.

Reading accounts of black people feeling uncomfortable driving their luxury vehicles or walking in their neighbourhoods. Listening to biracial women who understand that having a white parent has offered them some privilege against their darker skinned colleagues or friends. And even more, realizing that white people are learning that they have no idea what black, indigenous or persons of colour (BIPOC) have to deal with. It’s been very eye opening to say the least.

I think I have an obligation as a parent to make sure that I keep these conversations going. We started reading these books last month. I truly hope this keeps the lines communication open with our kids and they feel comfortable talking to us about what they see, hear or understand. And for me, it’s making sure that I a step up and have those uncomfortable conversations when ever they need to happen.

The Colours of Us: A story about a child who wants to find all the right paint colours to paint pictures of her friends and family. The child learns about the similarities and differences between us and that brown comes in different shades.
Youtube Read Along / Chapters / Amazon

Whoever You Are: A reminder to adults and children, that kids all over the world are experiencing the same joys, sadness, happiness and fears. Regardless of where they are in the world or what they look like.
Youtube Read Along / Chapters / Amazon

Same, Same but Different: A story of two boys from the US and India who become pen-pals. They share stories and pictures from their life. They do all the same things (go to school, climb trees, live with their families) but a little differently.
Youtube Read Along / Chapters / Amazon

A kids book about racism: A direct and open explanation about what racism is and what it makes people feel like.
Youtube Read Along / Amazon

Yet, another GUILT FREE Cookie Recipe (Vegan & Gluten Free)

Posted on May 25, 2020 by Bhanu Misra Marya

I wish I could say that I didn’t let my cookie cravings get the better of me during the last 10 weeks – but I’ve been making cookies and eating them on… r e p e a t!

Thankfully I have a few (here and here) that are on heavy rotation but I’ve also tried to make a regular butter/sugar cookie (which the girl gang prefer).

I did come across another variation of a healthy cookie. It’s vegan, gluten & refined sugar free. Which by default makes it GUILT Free.

Without further ado, here is the recipe/instructions. Save the image or pin for later :)

Practicing Self Care during Physical Distancing

Posted on May 22, 2020 by Bhanu Misra Marya

It’s been over 10 weeks since we started physically distancing.

Information is changing constantly and of course I am hopeful and I am also realistic. But I think I am extra sensitive these days.

Initially, it felt great having “extra time” but then life at home got busier with full time everything all the time!

Having to facilitate remote schooling, preparing wholesome learning activities, tutoring, all day child minding along with being a housekeeper, cook, partner. Mix in part time school and WFH – it literally left no time for anything else.

And then something clicked and I realized that this wasn’t going to be a sprint – but a marathon. I also realized I needed to re-adjust the action plan for the long haul.

The feeling of being extra sensitive comes and goes in waves – I’m trying to figure out what and when I’m triggered and remove those triggers from my immediate attention (I am sharing this in case others are feeling the same but also to share that this activity is part of the readjustment for the long haul).

So now I am taking it one day at a time, learning to relentlessly triage, give myself grace, slow down all while enjoying this special-unusual-new normal as much as I can.

I also remind myself of this:

happiness isn’t a destination
being positive is knowing things will get better even if they aren’t great right now

Apart from these thoughts, there is always a loud voice telling me to be creative. When I am not writing/taking pictures regularly I just feel off. So with whatever time I can manage, I’ll try to make space for creativity.

With all that said, I hope you are doing well and in case you need a recharge as we enter week 11 of physical distancing I’ve included some self care ideas to keep you going for the long haul.

Create a (new) routine. Realizing I didn’t have my commute, my morning step count/city walk, my time to scroll IG, read a book or catch up/make lists/plan. Although I don’t have a routine that makes me grounded, I had to be okay changing things up. Steps around the house or a quick walk with the girls around the street, read in bed while the house is closet/before getting up to start the day. Part of the routine also includes remote learning for the kids as well as teaching them about when we have work tasks/meetings. It’s a tricky balance but we are getting there.
Get dressed in something cute every morning. Ok I am definitely not wearing dress pants, skirts or blazers. But a fresh pair of leggings and a cute sweater can make all the difference.
Exercise and find ways to be active. Workouts have changed. Running outdoors doesn’t feel the same. I have to really fight for my 10k steps. But I do it anyways. I take the stairs more than I have to. I chase the kids. I try not to stand still and walk during meetings.
Talk to someone. I think since 2020 started, I realized that I became an introvert in adulthood. Or maybe I just crave my own space, quiet and stillness. But then I found that I needed to talk to people who filled my cup. I needed to surround myself with positivity and clarity. Thankfully I have a few people I can talk to.
Drink tons of water. Water/Sparkling/Herbal tea + multiple trips to the bathroom :)
Conscious Eating. We’ve started meal planning again or atleast writing a list of meals for the week so we can prep in advance or not have to think of options when it’s time to eat. Make grocery lists. And decide on when we want to indulge (because that happens!)