What Kind of Cook are You?
“Cooking requires confident guesswork and improvisation—experimentation and substitution, dealing with failure and uncertainty in a creative way.”
– Paul Theroux
What kind of cook are you? Do you print out the recipe and follow it meticulously or are you more of a free form chef – experimenting with spices, techniques, and presentation. Do you value family recipes or embrace the latest cooking trends online? What is the secret sauce that sets your food apart?
I fall into the “free form” category. For many years, I found myself preparing meals for a large, busy household of 8-10 people, and there were always extra kids popping in. The dinner table was a place for gathering, and if you wanted to eat at my house, you joined us at the table. My cooking was not about gourmet perfection; it was about nourishing the masses with hearty and comforting dishes like spaghetti, chili, pork chops, tacos and lasagna. I rarely relied on recipes, and when I did, they were more like loose guidelines than a rigid rulebook. If a meal wasn’t working out, I saw it as an opportunity to get creative, tweaking and enhancing until the food was edible. For me, cooking was more than preparing meals; it was a journey of discovery and experimentation.
This “free form” approach has served me well over the years. I once dropped my son’s birthday cake right before the party. I had to act quickly. As panic set in, I scooped up the cake, placed it on a plate, heated a can of chocolate icing and poured it over the broken mess. Adding a few Star Wars characters, I transformed my disaster into a rather impressive meteor cake. The kids at the party loved it, and I was reminded that sometimes life’s mishaps can lead to unexpected and delightful outcomes!
In the kitchen as in life, we face choices – both with how we approach things and how we respond to them. We can choose to follow a pre-defined path or carve out our own unique journey. While some may prefer the comfort of the familiar, others are anxious to venture into uncharted territory. Either way, there will inevitably be obstacles and even failures along the way. Those who strictly adhere to a recipe might find themselves discouraged as they perceive their blunders as failures destined for the trash. However, skilled cooks and individuals alike understand that culinary mishaps are mere jumping off points for creativity and innovation. By fearlessly substituting ingredients and testing new skills, they are able to invent something entirely unique and delicious.
What kind of cook are you in the kitchen of life? Are you creating a life worth savoring? We all possess a “special sauce “of our own, an irreplaceable ingredient that sets us apart and adds flavor to the world. Perhaps it is your boundless creativity, empathetic nature, problem-solving skills, or an ability to bring others together. When we allow ourselves to tap into what sets us apart and embrace it wholeheartedly, we unlock our true potential and welcome the countless possibilities that life has to offer.
Truth is, I always found it easier to live “free form” in the kitchen than in my actual life. For too many years, I was a rule-follower – never wanting to rock the boat or push back against the social norms for fear of being judged or standing out too much. I even wore high heels! Fortunately, age has cured me of this. Pushing my boundaries while embracing new ideas and people has opened doors to a life I never anticipated or thought possible. Now when I get ready in the morning, I choose comfort and put on my Birkenstocks (like Margot Robbie in the Barbie movie, ready for the next adventure!). I’m happily living “me.”
I’ve learned that the art of confident guesswork, improvisation, and experimentation that cooking requires can be applied to life itself. Much like a well-prepared meal brings joy and nourishment to others, a life lived with creativity and inspiration has the power to uplift those around us. Embracing both the successes and failures, we navigate through challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable roadblocks.
Now is the time to live boldly, to experiment with life’s many flavors, and to craft a recipe for living that inspires and challenges us. Let’s savor life and discover the richness of our potential while embracing the uncertainties as well as the opportunities that lie ahead. Just as an enjoyable dish can surprise and delight, so can a living with determination and a creative spirit continue to amaze not only us, but all those who join us at the table of life.
The Core of Any Relationship is the One You Have With Yourself
Coaching is a forward-looking approach to healing and growth. I create a non-judgement space for you to gain confidence, shatter your negative limiting beliefs, implement goals, and start living in a place of peace and abundance. Are you willing to get uncomfortable, challenge your comfort zone, and take steps to reclaim control of your life?
I am accepting 1:1 clients. If you are ready to take the next step in your journey, book a free call today