Hungry

What does it mean to to be hungry? That word can take on so many meanings and interpretations. It drives us, emotionally and intellectually, at our most primal levels. It can be as deep as the ocean or as shallow as a puddle. If you ask a person what it means to them you may get an answer that is a polar opposite from the next person. It’s so personal, yet it is in all of us. It controls us as much as we are controlled by it. In the most literal forms of the word, this powerful noun has two meanings: lack of food and desire. You may say those could be a cause and effect, but as much as they are related, they are also different.

For me, hunger has been part of my being since my self-discovery days. If my life was a road trip, hunger would be that friend in the backseat that falls asleep and wakes up at random times during the trip, making you fully aware of each and every cycle of lost and found consciousness. Ignoring does nothing while you try to concentrate on the journey, so you cave. You entertain and listen. You may even take some things to heart while shrugging off the occasional rant. It’s with you though, you empathize with the feelings, ponder its ideas, learn from its lessons and ultimately enjoy it as you filter its messages like your morning cup of coffee.

The hunger within me has driven my decisions through some of the most significant aspects of my life. Change, growth, acceptance and love name a few, and just as our stomachs growl for nourishment my soul growled for satiation. After all, hunger is a feeling just like pain or joy; feeding it has lead me to some pretty incredible places as well as some dark alleys. I’m not sure about you, but that friend in the back seat can be just as much of a jerk as a friend sometimes. We need to be mindful, respectful and firm, all while keeping our eyes on the road. 

So why all this talk about things that really have no bearing on food or cooking? How does it all tie together? It’s a metaphor, really. It all boils down to following your gut and knowing where you came from and where you want to go. It isn’t a surprise to me that I am more thoughtful and analytical because of my lessons learned in the kitchen. It’s true. Cook a meal for the love of your life and you’ll realize just how good you want it to taste. Sure, it may feel really good to know you cooked that steak or grilled those peppers to perfection, but the most pure satisfaction comes from the look on your lady or man’s face. 

So, with all that philosophy, I leave you with what I feel is the most important part of having an incredible relationship with your hunger. Know it, respect it, learn from it and tell it to get its foot down from the back of the head rest! It’s time to celebrate life through food.