Spice Rack

Do you use spices when you cook?  They can add flavor and personality to a dish.  Spice racks contain the diverse tastes of many regions.  You can travel to Italy, Mexico, or the Mediterranean just by selecting the corresponding spice.  What are the figurative spice racks that you use to help you sample different destinations?  Your family and friends can represent different seasonings for your travel itinerary. Spend time with the people that make your taste buds happy.  Music is another source of spice in your life.  What is playing on the radio, compact disc, or MP3 player can change your attitude.

Identify the basil (finisher) and cumin (spicy) people in your life.  Basil should be applied to food near the end of cooking in order to maximize the flavor.  You have advisors that should be used in the same fashion.  Consult them when what you are doing is almost done.  Their job is to tweak, or enhance, a finished product.  They are not the ones to help you build something from the beginning.  Cumin makes any meal hotter.  It adds the kick to food.  There is someone in your circle that lights a fire under you.  They hold you accountable for assignments and deadlines.  When it looks like you are losing focus, they push, pull, and harass you until you are back on track.

There are also spice songs that can help you move forward.  What are the cinnamon (sweet) and thyme (starter) tunes that motivate you to take risks and explore unknown territory?   Cinnamon is commonly used in desserts.  It has a distinct aroma and taste.  You may get a warm and fuzzy feeling when it hits your tongue.  Is there a particular type of music that has the same effect on your ears?  Maybe listening to jazz or classical selections puts a smile on your face.  It could be a popular theme song from a television show or movie that reminds you of your wins and makes you want to stay in the game.  Thyme releases it flavor slowly so it needs to be added at the beginning of the meal.  Are there songs that you need to hear in the mornings to get your day off to a great start?  If you play I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly before you leave the house, those words may remain with you all day.  The beat and words of I Feel Good by James Brown can energize you and set the tone for the day.  Use music to season your mood the way you use spices to season your food.

Leave a comment and share the people and music that are on your spice rack.