When I graduated college, I took a “temporary” job that lasted 2 years. I worked as the live-out, full-time housekeeper in a wealthy home. I always say that job taught me a LOT, first and foremost being how to shut up. My input was NOT requested. And I got to experience a small slice of life in all its glory and mess, mostly as an observer. Yet, somehow, I still have trouble shutting up.
Finally I answered a Craigslist ad and somehow became a pilates instructor, then the owner of the pilates studio (more on that story another time.) 7+ years on, literally thousands of classes later, and I still run my mouth too often. It’s fitting that “motormouth” was a nickname I carried well as a child.
I’ve found myself doing it again this week. One woman describes her post-workout dinner options: scrambled eggs or PBnJ. She also talks about the veggie burger sliders she had in the freezer, that became a quick lunch. I describe mixing together a sweet potato and quinoa patty, with yummy spices and a nice crisp from the pan, and talk about plastic-wrapped food and BPAs. Why?
Why can’t I shut my pie hole? How ‘bout this, smarty-pants: ask her about WHY she doesn’t like to cook. Ask her IF she wishes to alter her food choices AT ALL. Let HER tell me what she wants. I see what she may need- better quality fuel for the body she’s trying to have at her