Embracing the Journey: Lifelong Learning and Growth
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Chapter 1: The Joy of Beginnings
There are distinct advantages to embarking on numerous new endeavors.
Sugar cookies, for example, are made with a straightforward recipe consisting of butter, powdered sugar, flour, an egg, baking soda, cream of tartar, and a touch of vanilla for flavor. While the specifics can be adjusted, the essential ingredients need to be combined well, chilled for a firmer dough, and rolled out into simple shapes before being baked in under 10 minutes. The process is quick and uncomplicated, yielding delightful results.
I have fond memories of baking these with my mother, more so than the classic chocolate chip cookies. Cakes and brownies also made occasional appearances, often from boxed mixes. Although I'm not particularly fond of sweets, the uncomplicated charm of fresh sugar cookies has always captivated me.
However, beyond those few moments of mixing ingredients, my siblings and I grew up with minimal cooking experience. It simply wasn't part of our upbringing, and I never expressed interest—like many kids, I was preoccupied with school and friendships, with little regard for domestic skills.
Embarrassingly Late to the Kitchen
Fast forward to my late 30s when a new relationship began: I still had hardly cooked! Yet, that was when I started to explore the culinary world.
It wasn’t about feeling obligated to take on the cooking role; quite the opposite! My partner enjoyed preparing meals, but I wanted to share the responsibilities more equitably. In my previous long-term relationship, my partner happily took on the role of the primary cook, and I was content with that arrangement. (We parted ways, but cooking wasn’t the reason.)
It was surprising how late I began to learn this essential skill. What was that experience like?
Objectively, it may have been easier than it felt, but I faced numerous trials and errors before I became familiar with various cooking processes. Handling raw ingredients was strange to me. I lacked knife skills and often worried about overcooking my meals. Plus, I didn’t have the appropriate pots and pans initially, requiring me to acquire them gradually.
Becoming an Experienced Cook
I'm pleased to report that now I have a solid understanding of cooking principles, including heat management, moisture, and flavor combinations. I can intuitively adjust recipes, swapping and adding ingredients as needed. However, the initial learning curve felt daunting.
Starting to cook in your late 30s can be frustrating, disappointing, and at times, a bit embarrassing. There were moments when I doubted my ability to succeed.
Beginning New Ventures
These days, I’ve embarked on numerous new pursuits as a beginner, and I’ve grown more comfortable with discomfort.
One of those new ventures is this “social blogging.” Although I’ve done plenty of writing, this format is unfamiliar to me, and I’m unsure how best to approach it. It’s a new experience that might only be fully understood through direct engagement—trying things out and observing the outcomes. So here I am, diving in.
Understanding the “Beginner’s Mind”
After many years of encountering the term “beginner’s mind” and finally grasping its essence, I can now say that I understand it from a personal perspective. Mastering a skill—such as being open to learning, staying relaxed about mistakes, disregarding others' opinions (including my own), and separating performance from identity—allows one to forget that they didn’t always possess this mindset.
In the past, I often felt tense, clinging to the edge of the pool when tackling something new. I learn quickly, but the emotional hurdles of being a novice are distinct from the skills being acquired. Thankfully, this emotional aspect has caught up, and it’s reassuring to discover that it does improve over time.
Beginning as a Skill
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a new beginning, take heart. The act of starting itself can become easier with practice. Moreover, many skills we acquire can positively influence other areas of our lives—leading to greater confidence, freedom, and ease. I certainly experience this. It may not be perfect at first, but it’s undeniably a great place to begin.