I spent a good portion of the day making pie dough in preparation for my pie tasting party and it got me thinking about process. As a pre-kindergarten teacher by day, I try to focus on the process of doing rather than the end product. Although, this seems to be at odds with what we are encouraged to focus on as adults. Generally, we celebrate the reaching of a goal rather than enjoying how we got there. Goals are great and all. But what happens when a person is so focused on the end result everything else becomes a blur? Or, what happens when a person's path takes them on the road less traveled? How do we celebrate that path? Or do we at all?
I have found that I love making pie dough completely by hand. I enjoy using my hands to blend the butter into the flour. I like pinching the pats of butter with my fingers. I like squishing the dough in my hand to see how it holds together. I enjoy experiencing the whole process. Somehow, it just feels right. Using a food processor or mixer removes me from the experience. That does not feel right. And yes, for those of you out there that are worried, I always wash my hands.
As a woman who has clearly taken the road less traveled (single and no children, at an age when those non-existent children could be adults), I realize the importance of celebrating the process of living. My life is my life. And as far as I know, the only chance I have at living it. Maybe this is why I spend so much time in my head. Maybe, I am just trying to figure out how everything and everybody works.
Just like with making pie dough, we have to look inside ourselves and figure out what works best for us. We must take our time and experience the ride that is this life - all of it - the good, the bad and the ugly. And if you find yourself on the road less traveled, maybe even off road, deep in the forest, where there isn't even a path, here's what I suggest: take a moment, consider your position, and let your freak flag fly!
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