027. Deep Red Apple
The journey is the price, not the destination.
Earlier, I got up to take what I thought would be a short break from my work to make myself some dinner. A process that could have been carried out in about 30 minutes ended up lasting over two hours. All the ingredients were there; I did not have to run out to the store to grab an essential ingredient and, the chicken had been taken out of the freezer hours earlier.
Rarely do I ever have a phone call intended to run for 10 minutes, actually run for 10 minutes. Often there are 2-5 'I gotta go', 'I need to leave soon' and even 'goodbyes', before a call ends.
Today, I said goodbye, ended the call, only to call another person in the room because I was feeling a little fomo, and I wanted to see people's faces. When that was done, I said goodbye. Somehow, an hour later, still on that same phone call, I was propped up at the side of the table watching my family play a card game. From my little pocket of the world, I got to be a part of their evening. Eventually, they got louder and could no longer hear me so, I left them to enjoy their game night and, I was finally able to focus on making my dinner.
It took me another 30 minutes to actually finish making the meal. In what felt like 5 minutes, my food was gone - I had inhaled it.
I really do wonder how the process of making a meal is so lengthy when eating the food only lasts mere moments.
Perhaps picking fruit from a tree would be easier. Though, you would need to make sure you had planted your apple seeds at least 5-7 years prior.
So, I guess growth and preparation just take time.
I am then left wondering, what is one to do when the experience of eating a meal cannot be lengthened?
Perhaps, savour the moment?
Almost a week ago, I had this apple. The best apple I have had in years. It took me some time to even register the fact that I was enjoying the apple. The crisp! The flavour! I had gotten so accustomed to simply eating fruits because they were there but, not really taking much enjoyment from it. The variety of apples back home create little room for enjoyment. But, this apple. This apple was good. It was delicious. I honestly wish I had taken a picture of it so I could show people this beautiful deep red apple that I had the opportunity to enjoy.
Now, all that is left is the memory and the story I will tell about this truly delicious apple.
And yes, it really was that good.
The meal I made today was nothing special. Something I have good practice in making. The call on the other hand, was a rare occurrence.
I do not know if many of you will relate but, growing up and living in the diaspora, time spent with family can become a rare commodity. Especially with your closest family members.
When I got onto that phone call, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that everyone who was in that room, was in that room. A group of people I have not had the opportunity to share space with for over a year, collectively, maybe more.
I was happy to be an audience member to their interactions; to listen to them laugh at, and with each other. For that little pocket in time, I got to enjoy their company. A process that would have been otherwise mundane, had a little more.
I am not even sure I tasted my food, I was then in a rush to get to the next activity. I even tried to slow myself down, but the food truly vanished before my eyes.
What I get to keep with me is the experience. The laughter filled process it took me to get to my meal. What I get to hold on to is the experience of realising how much enjoyment I was finding in that beautiful, deep, red, apple. Honestly, I miss that apple.
But, once the apple is gone and the plate is empty, all you are left with are the journeys you took to get there.
So, next time you're making another mundane meal you have made a 100 times, maybe, call a friend. Breathe some life into an ordinary experience and allow yourself to enjoy process. Allow yourself to enjoy this journey through life.
Dear reader, thank you!
I have done my best today. I hope you join me again tomorrow as we continue to try to do all that we can. <3
