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BY JENNIFER SILVERMAN
Ina Garten's Be Ready When the Luck Happens is chockfull of life advice worth embracing – big time. To teleport straight to my favorite aha moment a la Ina, click here. (Or just start reading.)
Being beamed to cloud nine by way of a shopping acquisition is nothing new for me. Usually, this dreamy state is brought about by a pair of captivating new shoes or a knockout handbag.
My latest source of retail euphoria was a refreshing change of pace - a purchase procured from my favorite bookstore, Story and Song Bookstore Bistro.
Over the last few days, I’ve been utterly addicted to my newest favorite memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten.
I was a longtime fan of her Food Network TV show, which aired for a whopping 28 seasons.
Her passion for the meaningful connections forged from cooking and entertaining radiated, and she struck me as a genuine, insightful soul. I was dying to attend one of the dinner parties featured on her shows, flanked by fascinating folks and delectable dishes.
Although I think I would feel right at home in Garten’s kitchen, (assuming I was a guest, not a sous chef) I knew little of her story.
After devouring the recollections in her book for several consecutive days, I’ve decided I’m now an expert on all things Garten.
She began her career in an unfulfilling bureaucratic Washington, DC post. The gig was no fun for a gal who thrived on creativity. When she followed her passions and pressed ahead despite the downs she encountered, many ups unfolded.
She took a boatload of risks and went on to pursue the fun she had always craved.
Garten opened two uber-successful specialty food stores, penned best-selling cookbooks, and of course hosted a TV show that impacted millions of lives for the better.
Although the chronicles of her accomplishments are themselves inspiring, the oodles of life lessons she shares were certainly worthy of my hot pink highlighter.
Among Garten’s gems is a quote from her beloved hubby, Jeffrey: “You never know your good breaks from your bad.”
This particular tidbit found its way into Garten’s story again and again, becoming her airtight philosophy for navigating life’s journeys.
Rather than spiral into prolonged despondence when adversity reared its head, Garten grew to embrace the belief that eventually, she would be grateful for all the things that didn’t pan out.
After all, trials and tribulations prepare us for what’s to come and pave the way for new opportunities to emerge. Garten believes that setbacks which seem like the worst things, may just be the best things to happen to us.
When we encounter letdowns, many of us tend to recite a litany of existential inquiries – sometimes to ourselves, sometimes to someone, and sometimes to no one at all.
Why did this happen?
How come it couldn’t work out just this once?
Why should I believe I’ll ever succeed when impenetrable brick roadblocks keep materializing out of nowhere?
Should I just throw in the towel and become a bricklayer?
In the moment, those brick barriers obscure our view of the bigger picture.
Retrospect breeds clarity but requires the passing of time – typically substantial stretches.
If we began to resist the temptation to jump to the worst conclusions, how would our reality transform?
Picture it: A whammy ensues.
We allow ourselves to feel disheartened. We even grieve what wasn’t. Then, we remind ourselves for as long as it takes that the blows may feel bad at present, but just maybe, they will evolve into something deliciously good, which could not have otherwise transpired. Next, we get back on the horse and keep moving. (No brick walls in sight.)
So, why not walk a mile barefoot a la the Contessa?
Now age 76 with a mental cookbook overflowing with recipes in wisdom, Garten continues to believe in pursuing life’s twists and turns, tricky breaks, and all.
Garten says it best: “You can take a little twirl and still get exactly where you’re going.” Shall we?
(P.S. - Did you spot the colorful cover pic for this bountiful blog post and think, "What the heck is that?" I'll shed some light. The person behind the fabulous mask is disguised - incognito if you will - just like the bad breaks we encounter...Now we're on the same wavelength!)
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