Make it your way
It doesn't have to be entirely original to be yours
Many daily tasks are best relegated to routine - knowing what to expect with some things helps us tackle the day's myriad surprises. But the "every day" of each and every day can be a grind. The same sights, repeated conversations, and regular meals get old. So finding a way to spice things up is vital for sustained happiness (and, perhaps even sanity). A minor tweak, or a slightly unexpected twist, can make all the difference.
Herein lies the value of making it your way.
I love making things - in general - because, with each project, I try something new. Even in the most routine builds, I make a point to mix up how I do things, perhaps by improving on old methods or by branching out into new territory. Either way, I create the diversity I crave in the things I make.
But not all tasks can be so original. Sometimes we have to follow the rules, no matter how dull they seem. But these times are rarer than we think.
A custom spin or a tiny change-up can be the difference we need. In doing so, we add a little of ourselves into what we do and what we create. In even the most prescriptive, opportunities abound to express our individuality.
With projects, this is most obvious. Paint a pre-fab piece of furniture your favorite color; handwrite your next party invitations; spice up a time-honored recipe with a secret ingredient. Doing anything to lessen the monotony will help. And it will brighten your spirits, almost certainly.
This morning I made my son's lunch as I often do. On today's menu: quite possibly the most mundane of mundane meals - tuna fish salad sandwich. But I put a nice spin on it. Instead of simply tuna, I added smoked trout as well. We call it "two-fish salad" - get it?!
Both the dish and the name make me feel clever (and ever-so-slightly more confident). And my son loves it, so that's a morale boost for all. I made it my way and, in doing so, made others and myself a little happier.
That's the whole point of making things your way. Instead of taking what's handed to us, we decide how things will be. It's empowering and gratifying all the same. We own our lives when we make it our way. And it makes everything better.
Until next time.
JRC
P.S.: I thought I'd include this Lent-friendly recipe for my Catholic friends. Feel free to give it a try regardless of your religious affiliation, and of course, make it your way - however you wish.
JRC's Two-fish salad recipe
The trout comes in little tins (we like Trader Joe's, but I'm sure others are equally delicious). The smokiness complements the tuna and makes this old lunchtime staple delightfully new again.
1 can sustainably caught tuna (packed in water)
1 can sustainably caught smoked trout
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup finely diced onion
2 tablespoons stoneground mustard
2 tablespoons chia (or flax, poppy) seeds
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon agave
salt & pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine mayo, mustard, vinegar, and agave, then whisk until blended. Stir in chia seeds, celery, and onion.
Drain liquid from the tuna and trout. Gently fold fish into the mixture until well incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Chill for an hour or overnight. Serve on multigrain bread, and enjoy!
You will do it your way! (As in Frank).
JR - A fish sandwich is not a salad sandwich. A fish sandwich is a breaded fish piece deep fried.