Profound epiphanies in the simplest of dishes.

This topic may be one that is overdrawn and beat to death and back, but it is a theme that has been central to my thoughts for the past week. The first few paragraphs seem a bit off topic, but read through it and it will all make sense in the end.

It was a regular Monday. Like all Mondays it took a bit of time to get back into the swing of things. Nothing unusual. However, as that day progressed I found myself pre-occupied with a single question: what the hell was I thinking choosing this career path? I could have continued with a graduate degree in psychology and charge $200 for advice their friends could give for free. I could have been a guidance councilor and quietly laugh at so-called problems teenagers have. I could have done something else.

I tried to shake off these thoughts. Picked up my go-to book for food inspirations, the Alinea cook book. Didn’t do anything. The usual excitement and enthusiasm the book provoke were non-existent. Instead, each image, each recipe, were met with nothing more than numbing apathy. Looked at other books, nothing to see there either.

I put down the book and thought maybe this really isn’t the right path. It’s not too late to go back to psychology.

Then I felt a little hungry. I haven’t had lunch. So finding the most convenient way to consume some calories, I  placed an egg in an already running water bath at 63c. Waited about 40 minutes for it then cracked it open into a bowl. Drizzled some sweet soy sauce I had made earlier. Cut into it with a spoon and the yolk oozed out. “Looks about right” I thought to myself. Then, with that first bite my heart stopped. My eyes were wide open and for a moment, I even forgot to breathe. Holy sh*t!

Yes, this is definitely what I want to do. Cooking is definitely what excites me. This is what I love.

People always tell you to follow your desires and passions. Not a lot of people will say that while on that path, you will doubt yourself, question why you’re even there, and at times, quit. It’s OK…it’s normal. Just. Keep. Going.

Let me leave you with this video about following your desires.