There are times when we are at a loss to know how to resolve issues in our lives. We may tend to procrastinate, or we may rush to make a hasty decision — both of which can be counterproductive. As I was making beef stew today, it occurred to me that it is possible to resolve problems in the same manner that we tenderize tough meat.
There is an art and science to making a delicious stew. The process includes taking a piece of meat and simmering it (on low heat) for a long period of time in seasonings and liquid. This prolonged cooking process allows a tough piece of meat to become very tender.
This same process can be applied to a problem that we need to resolve. Initially that problem may seem to be a “tough” one, but if we put it aside with the understanding that we will ultimately solve it, we will often find that by allowing the problem to sit and stew, it becomes easier to solve.
Unlike the meat, however, the problem is cooked in seasonings of intent to solve it, belief that it can be solved, and patience. Also, you must understand that if the problem is left cooking too long, it creates yet another problem — it becomes overcooked and too mushy.
Not all meats are good for stewing… Nor are all problems appropriate for this stewing method. You must make that choice. Just as we choose a specific type of meat for the stewing process, so must we be picky about the problems that we put on the back burner and allow to simmer.
The secret to “problem stewing” is the confidence that a solution will come to us, but in the proper time frame. So we must add an affirmation to accompany this problem-solving process.
Affirmation for the Week:
“I want a solution to this problem, and I allow it to resolve in a slow cook manner. I write the problem down and include an expression of gratitude that this problem is already solved. I put the problem on a back burner somewhere and then wait for the stewing process to complete. I accept the solutions that are revealed to me.”
Have a slow cooking week in a fast food world!
Mary “Motivator” Rau-Foster