Dough

Freshly baked bread is the best. I love it when it's still warm, a little chewy, and covered with a melty spread of butter. Some brilliant person decided, “Why stop there? Cook it again!” Toast from homemade bread is on a whole different level of deliciousness (sorry, Celiacs). 

Donuts, pasta, and bread are all yummy. And they all come from humble beginnings. Yes, there are a ton of ways to dress it up. But the basics of bread are simple. One can make a simple dough with water, flour, yeast, and a pinch of salt. There is inner peace to be found in kneading a homemade dough. 

I would sit in meetings early in my career and hold back my thoughts. I was too young to have experienced enough to contribute. I was too new to have a good idea. So, I limited my contribution. Later, I would learn that my ideas would have been helpful, but I’d kept them to myself. 

Sometimes, we focus too much on the starting point. We think we are limited because of where we began. We might hold ourselves back because of where we were born, how we were raised, or the mistakes we made earlier. We rarely choose our beginnings. But, my starting point does not place limitations on how much I can improve. 

Can I remember my roots without being constrained by them? Where can I go if I don’t limit myself based on where I’ve been? If I’m new to something, can I offer a fresh view? If I’m seasoned at something, can I offer an expert’s take? 

Be curious, be kind, be whole, do good things.