The Secret

Few months back, I was so much frustrated and was in depression. It seems that everything was out of my control and I was not able to handle anything. I was very much upset. I kept complaining about my life whenever I talk to others. Then one of my friends suggested me a book - "The Secret" written by Rhonda Byrne. That book changed my life.

I got the book from the library and read it. As I was reading the book page by page, my thinking was also changing. I started to see same things with different perception. My all negative thoughts automatically converted into positive thoughts. My whole attitude towards life was changed. I could feel changes in myself and I found that others also felt same in me.

I am not changed, I am the same person. I am following the same routine and am doing same things whatever I was used to do earlier. Still, I feel frustration and stress, still I have complaints against life and people around me. Still, I get some negative thoughts in my mind.

But, my thinking process is changed. Now, I am able to convert my negative thoughts into positive thoughts easily. Now, I can easily control my frustration and think ahead. Still, I have complaints, but now I am more able to express my feelings without any negative comments.

Still, sometimes I face problems. Still, I get frustrated. Still, I get upset. When again this situation occurs - I know, I need to read the book again. I bought the book, read the book again. After seeing my changed attitude, my husband also read it. He also liked the book. I also suggested the book to my family, friends and relatives. Really, "The Secret" is a great book. It's a must read book.

Here are few snippets from the book -

Two important sentences in the book - "Like attracts like." and "Thoughts become things." It means that most of events in your life depend on your thoughts. And I also find that very true. Really, the author has explained it very nicely that your life depends on your thoughts. Whatever you think continuously, you will attract it.

But there is no filter for want or don't want. So, if you will say - "I don't want to do this". You will get more of that. So, think mostly what you want and avoid any negation in your thoughts. It is explained very nicely that if you want to receive something from the universe, you have to ask for it and believe it that you will get it definitely. Think, ask, have faith, be positive and act like you have received it.

Here are few lines what I like them very much - "Action is a word that can imply 'work' to some people, but inspired action will not feel like work at all. The difference between inspired action and action is this: Inspired action is when you are acting to receive. If you are in action to try and make it happen, you have slipped backward. Inspired action is effortless, and it feels wonderful because you are on the frequency of receiving."

"Imagine life as a fast moving river. When you are acting to make something happen it will feel as if you are going against the current of the river. It will feel hard and like a struggle. When you are acting to receive from the Universe, you will feel as if you are flowing with the current of the river. It will feel effortless. That is the feeling of inspired action, and of being in the flow of the Universe and life."

"Gratitude is a powerful process for shifting your energy and bringing more of what you want into your life. Be grateful for what you already have, and you will attract more good things."

Mushroom Capsicum (Green Peppers)

In my earlier post Creamy Mushroom Soup, I have mentioned that mushrooms are one of my husband's favorites. I keep trying different kind of recipes with mushrooms. I tried different combinations - mushrooms with potatoes, mushrooms with tomatoes, mushrooms with sweet peas. But, still my husband wanted something different. So, I tried mushrooms with capsicum, and he liked it. This is very simple recipe.

Mushroom Capsicum

Ingredients:

2 cup finely cut White Button Mushrooms

1 Red finely cut Onion
1 big finely cut capsicum (green peppers)
Salt according to taste
few lemon juice drops
1 tsp Oil

Method:

1. Heat the oil in the pan and saute the onion in the oil till it is softened. 
2. Add mushrooms, capsicum & salt into it and saute it till both are cooked thoroughly. No need to cover the pan. 
3. Remove the pan from the heat and add few drops of lemon juice.
4. Serve it hot.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

My husband likes mushrooms. I am not so fond of it but can eat it in small quantity. I tried to cook mushrooms in several ways but not perfect. I also have made mushroom soup several times, but not so tasty like yesterday. My husband and father-in-law, both liked it very much and asked for more.

I wasn't sure about nutritional value of the mushrooms so I did research on the internet about white button mushrooms I used in the soup. I got following 2 links and was relaxed that this was healthy for the persons who are not allergic to mushrooms.

Mushroom benefits and Nutrition with mushroom

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Ingredients:

2 cup finely cut White Button Mushrooms

1 Red finely cut Onion
10-12 cut Cherry Tomatoes
1/4 cup Coconut Milk
Water as required
Salt & pepper according to taste
1 tsp Oil

Method:

1. Heat the oil in the pan and saute the onion in the oil till it is softened. 
2. Add tomatoes into it and saute it for 3 minutes. 
3. Add mushrooms and saute it for least 10 minutes until the mushrooms are cooked thoroughly. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down. 
4. Put the mixture & some water in the blender and blend it till it gets smooth consistency and a thin paste. 
5. Pour the blended mixture into the cooking pot and add water. You can put water accordingly as you want soup thicker or thinner. Boil it for 10 minutes at least. 
6. Add coconut milk into it. Also add salt and black pepper according to taste. Boil it for another 5 minutes. 
7. Serve it hot.

I used tomatoes freshly grown by my father-in-law in his garden.

Roasted Okra / Lady Finger / Bhindi

Ingredients -

1 pound okra pods

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp chopped onion powder

Salt & black pepper according to taste

Method -

1. Preheat oven to 450F. Lightly oil a cookie sheet or roasting pan.
2. Trim the ends of okra and slit them into two pieces. Combine the okra, salt, black pepper, onion powder and oil in a large bowl and toss to coat well. Arrange in a single layer in the pan or sheet.
3. Roast for about 15 minutes, until the pods are well browned, shaking the pan occasionally for even cooking.
4. Transfer the okra to a serving bowl. Serve immediately.