The Art of Reinvention

re-in-vent
1.To create anew. 2. To bring back into existence; invent something again

I have had the privilege of reinventing myself many times; from fashion executive to grad student, stay-at-home mom, sales executive and of course chef and writer. Though some of these transformations where planned, others took me by surprise. At times I went along shamelessly, kicking and screaming. Now, in hindsight, it's easy to see how each experience was necessary, perfect for me really. Sometimes I look back on events that shaped my life and I'm wowed by the intricacy of it all. One small detail changed, and everything changes. This theme is a movie favorite, brilliantly portrayed in Back to the Future.

Being experienced as I am (hard knocks and all) reinventing myself is not so scary anymore--even when it takes me by surprise. Actually, it's exciting and I'm looking forward to some new adventures. I'll be sure to tell you in the months to come. The point is, I can honestly say I wouldn't change a thing--even when, at the time, I wished I could.

These are tough times for many of us. Many of our lives are being reinvented, along with the world around us. Though it may seem as if it's happening under duress, I believe it's under guiding hands. Honestly, aren't you tired of the old ways of doing things? They so obviously do not work. We're busted. The old game is up. So I say, yeah. I'm ready for a new game. I don't mind hanging tough while we create a new one, more suited to all our likings.

Everything gets reinvented when the game changes, most importantly, us. Those of you who may have lost your jobs, I know too well how hard it can be, but honestly, how many of you were happy in your old jobs? How many of you have held onto a dream for years, all of your life maybe, but never attempted to make it real? How many of you lost a job that long ago left you lifeless? Surprises truly are in our best interests if we choose to see them that way. Sometimes we can only get to the new, kicking and screaming.

Do whatever you need to do for yourself and your family in the meantime, but think of this as a gift. Now's your chance to reinvent yourself. Go job hunting in your mind first. Create though your heart. Let your inner guidance system show you the way and watch what begins to open up. The same intricacies that have always steered our way are still there. They work for us--especially when they're woven from the cords of our hearts desire. Go for it!

Did I mention that most cooks are naturally masters of reinvention? Yep, it's true. This is because we're always fussing with recipes, and recipes, by their very nature, are never static. They're always changing in one way or another. They're constantly evolving, mirroring a reflection of our changing tastes. Everyone always puts their individual stamp on everything they cook--even if they follow the recipe exactly. Why? Because, each and every one of us does each step of a recipe a little differently; how thin is thinly sliced; are you stirring with a wooden or metal spoon; what exactly is a pinch, and so on? And most importantly, how do we feel about what we're cooking and for whom? This invokes the power of intention--an essential ingredient in reinventing everything--not just food, but life itself. Spend time examining your intentions. Develop intention into an art form and someday it will make you so glad you lost your job.

All my best wishes at this time of new creations,
Chef Silvia