Clear Your Plate First
It’s Thanksgiving, and my mother’s famous dressing is calling my name. When I was younger, I couldn’t wait for the holidays to roll around because I knew some good cooking was in order. My mother would reach deep down in her southern/western roots and turn the kitchen out on holidays like Thanksgiving. We would have all kinds of food like mustard greens, rolls, fresh green beans, Cornish hens, fried turkey, potato salad, etc. and my one of my favorite desserts - sweet potato pie. I would rush to the kitchen as soon as I heard the “food is ready” announcement. I would see the spread of eats propped on the counter, and my eyes would widen with anticipation. My stomach would literally growl at the smell and sight. I would snatch my plate off the counter and commence to piling every entrée and side dish I saw on it. When I felt I had everything my tummy desired, I would head to the dinner table so the feasting could begin. And right when I was about to lift the fork to my mouth, I would see my brother or father come to the table with a dish that I must’ve overlooked. Not wanting to leave any food unclaimed, I would jump right back up from the table to go grab the omitted dish. But before I could wrap my little hand around the serving spoon to get my gigantic helping, my mother would catch me and say, “Sam, eat what’s on your plate first then see if you have room for something else.”
Yup, my eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach as a child. And it seems I sometimes still suffer from that same issue today when it comes to work. I’m learning all over again to “eat what’s on my plate” before I take on another dish. The last few months have had my head spinning in multiple directions, and it’s all my fault. You see, I’ve been enticed by the dollars that have been sitting on the counter waiting to be grabbed and that has led me to take on project after project. And when it’s all said and done, I’m left with a plate full of food and no appetite.
You know how you feel when you overeat? That’s how taking on more than I can handle feels to me. It’s like I’m continuously pushing food in my mouth even though I’m already chewing on a wad of bread - it’s pure gluttony. Having too much on plate results in me stuffing myself which then turns into exhaustion, regret, and heaviness. I’m also not able to give each task/dish my undivided attention because I’m constantly thinking about the next task/dish and trying to clear my plate in a hurry so I don’t miss out on anything else. I’m definitely learning my lesson though, and all it took was for me to reflect on that simple directive my mother gave to me in the kitchen on holidays. When I begin to clear my plate before I take on any other tasks, I’m able to be more focused, take my time, and produce my best work. I’m no longer letting my greed overpower my needs. I eat what I have and only get seconds if there’s room.
Eating what’s in front of me,
- Samjah Iman
Wishing everyone a very happy and safe Thanksgiving! I’m grateful for each and every person who has visited and will visit this blog and those who leave comments. I sincerely appreciate you all!
P.S. - Oh and yes that is a coat that I wore as a dress….hey, a girl has got to be innovative with this fashion thing, you feel me?!
xoxo
Photo Credit: 87 Photography
Outfit Details: Vintage Leather Coat // Black Leather Booties (Zara, sold out - similar here)
