Have you ever taken on something in your life only to question why you did it? Last week while in the throes of making 15 gallons of chili in the Raw, (1/2 gallon at a time), standing on my feet for 8 hours a day, and overcome with the aroma of onions and garlic, I asked myself, why I was doing this and saying to Christopher – “never again”.
By Sunday morning, after loading everything up and taking it to the event, I continued to question my sanity and repeating my mantra – “never again”.
But like so much in life, the things that are the most difficult are often the most rewarding. The cook-off was a great experience on so many levels. We did not win, nor did we expect to. Having a raw vegan chili in the largest chili cook-off event in the US was almost a guarantee of not winning.
However, the opportunity to introduce people who were not familiar with the taste and freshness of garden to table food, as well as to the many benefits to our health, the animals, and our planet, was a heartwarming experience.
Over and over again, people were surprised and amazed at how good it was. Even the people on the booths on either side of us; one a pork and bacon chili and the other a brisket and bacon recipe, loved our chili.
Being able to offer something we believe in, and are passionate about, is a great exercise in building our spiritual muscles. Being unique and unafraid of what others may think, is a great stretch in building our self awareness and self esteem.
Most importantly, walking through anything that is difficult, challenging, and a stretch keeps us alive, vibrant, enthusiastic and young!
All in all, it was an amazing experience – all the chili is gone and we do not have to look at, or eat chili for a long time!
Quote of the Week
“Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.”
Theodore Isaac Rubin
