When you try new things, they don’t always work out. When I was younger, my step-mother told me that if I had seven olives in a row, I would love olives forever. She lined them up on a plate, and I ran to the toilet after two. She ate the rest by the time I’d got back.
Since, I have developed a love for olives. I noticed them on a friend’s plate one day and asked if I could have one. I think she was a bit taken aback that a twenty-seven-year-old woman needed to try an olive at her age. Regardless, she let me have one, not seven, and I have loved them ever since.
Maybe my idea to try new fruits and veggies was about just that. Tackling something for the first time helps you build up an interest in attempting it again. Some of these items I will likely not eat again, just because I won’t much see them on a menu. But here’s the thing, I’m not scared of them now that I know what they are and how they made me feel. Banana flowers and bitter melon, in particular, made me feel like I did with the olives that first time. I will struggle to put these in my mouth again. But I did it already. And maybe I’ll see them another time and think they deserve another chance.
Too many times in my lifetime I have tried something once and then given it the pooh-pooh. Some of those I won’t try again because I don’t have the access (ride a Zamboni). or desire (bungee jumping). But some of them, even though it might have been hard or even humiliating (knitting) may be worth trying again to see if the next time is better knowing how it feels. Or, perhaps it is just off my list, and I can move forward. I will likely not purchase another bitter melon or banana flower, but I can’t say I won’t sample it if a Michelin Star chef puts it on my plate.
I am not a lover of absolutes. Saying words like always, never, and hate, make me recoil. I don’t always forget my keys, I often do. People say they will never like olives, but one day they might. I don’t hate goat cheese, I just really don’t like it and don’t wish to try it now. But someday I could change my mind.
The one absolute word I do love is every. As in, live every day.
I adore the song, “Live Like You Were Dying,” by Tim McGraw featured in all my videos. Mostly for the lines, “Someday I hope you get the chance, To live like you were dying. Like tomorrow was a gift.”
Why do we wait? When is it a good time to live every minute like it is your last? Is it time when the end is in sight? When you lose a loved one, do you get inspired? Most of us are waiting for a sign to begin living every minute. Your sign could be a fucking banana flower. What if that is your favourite food and you don’t even know it? You’d be crazy, but I’d still love you.
Take time to plan activities that scare you or do something out of character. That might seem bitter, but it could be the sweetest moment of your day. Dance on a counter, hug a stranger, eat that garnish. Damn, if it is on your plate and right in front of you, you have every reason to try. They might scare you the first time, but living life without those stories and experiences is infinitely scarier.
My Turning 50 Like a Boss Tip: Live every day.
Check out the video for proof:
