My preferred way of communicating my thoughts is through live presentations. Whether in small groups, in the classroom or on the big stage. The written word sometimes does not translate as well as the spoken word. Keeping this in mind, let us relax and have some fun. Humor does have a way of helping us see the light at the end of the tunnel (hoping it is not a train).
I will never write that I had an easy time losing 101 pounds in my first year as a TOPS member. It was just the opposite. At times, it was very discouraging and depressing.
If you have been following my blogs for some THYME, you already know that I like to find the humorous side of a tough situation. Wordplay is my sport. Like CLOVE, sometimes just a little is enough to make the intolerable, tolerable.
This is where I introduce the next TOPS spice for the rack. Many a THYME during my battle with obesity, I would cry out, “Why can’t someone just help me carry away these extra pounds?” Yes, the next spice is CARAWAY.
My use of CARAWAY as a spice was during my first attempt at making rye bread. Now, before I have a CARAWAY moment, you knead to know that making bread was me attempting to have something more wholesome than the breads off the shelf with all the preservatives. More on this topic later.
I have always linked important items I need to remember, or to help someone else remember, to various funny phrases, music clips, cartoons, etc. In doing so, it helps keep things fresh and spicy. As an example, if I am facilitating a meeting and it is THYME for a break, I will say, “Please be back in 300 seconds”
Like CILANTRO, I sometimes cannot control the linkages in a way that hopefully everyone has the same PAPRIKA moment. However, the BASIL concepts are there and eventually can be used by anyone. Like LAVENDER, there are several ways to use the same item.
As this rack fills with spices, you will see how everything can be linked to helping us achieve our goals of losing weight and improving our journey to longevity. If you are struggling, find that happy thought or funny word to get you through. Also, do not struggle alone. Always share how you are feeling so others can help with linking good ideas to overshadow the bad. There may just be a SAGE in the room with that right dash of PAPRIKA.
I had another CARAWAY moment and forgot to share the towel story. Now, I owe you that as well as my attempt at making bread. It will be fine…I will link it with the next spice, BURNET. How is that for a tease?
Caraway (Carun carvi): An aromatic spice made from the dried fruits of the caraway plant, a member of the parsley family. It has been used for thousands of years in cooking and traditional medicine throughout Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia.
Caraway has a warm, earthy flavor with hints of licorice, citrus, pepper and nutty undertones. Popular uses are in rye bread, sauerkraut, cabbage dishes, stews and Irish soda bread.
Although research into its effects on weight management and blood sugar is promising, most evidence supports using caraway as part of an overall healthy diet rather than as a stand-alone remedy.
Rick,
I really look forward to reading your stories and how you always know how to use the right spices.