Being in the food business can be overwhelming. It's not like we can stop eating or drinking or planning the meals that need to prepared and consumed. We all work long hours and there's a certain dedication that must be present in order to succeed in any aspect of this business from cooking to writing and everything in between. Most of the time we welcome the challenge. But sometimes we need a break. We need some time to focus on other things. We think of this action as re-charging our batteries. Time spent reading a good book, walking on a beach or through the streets of a city, watching a funny movie or just hanging out with the people we love is all valuable time spent far from kitchens, cameras and computers. While it is sometimes hard to break away, lo and behold, we often find that a small space is enough to re-invigorate our obsessions and help us find us new inspirations for the kitchen.
One of our favorite things to do when we are in NYC and feeling flush is pay a visit to the Museum of Modern Art. It is a place that takes us out of ourselves and often leaves us awestruck at the work of others, using mediums we had never thought to explore. Great music does the same thing. We often have music in the background when we cook because it helps us keep our pace and motivation. Looking deeper there is something to be gained in submerging yourself in the work of others, really feeling the music and appreciating the passion that went into its creation. It charges you up and makes you want to create something equally full of life and wonder that is uniquely your own. Even taking the time to stop and simply breathe, feeling the movement of your body, listening to the world around you and feeling the air against your cheeks can be wonderful. That moment of inner quiet can help you find the spark you need to go forward and make your castles in the sky a new reality. We are all driven by motivation and finding the influences that inspire us outside of our daily routines will make the difference that sets our work apart and makes it special.
Our lives are so busy and connected that it can be hard to justify taking some time for yourself to do whatever it is that makes you happy. Do it anyway. Learn to listen to yourself, because deep down we all know what we really need out of life (although we may not always like what that is) and knowing what we need makes it easier to make it happen. Be selfish every once in a while because if you aren't happy then you can't create something that shows all of the beauty that's inside of you. Be passionate because emotion always comes through in your work, even in the kitchen, and remember to find the joy in what you do. Success is more than money or prestige, success is doing what we love because we love doing it.
Years Past
February 25, 2010
February 25, 2007
February 25, 2005
