The Chili of Change
Entering the room, I didn’t realize that I was going to leave changing my destiny. All because of a tasty, cooked pot of spicy chili…
Living abroad can be daunting, especially when you are single and looking for love. Moving to Prague over five years ago, I had made a huge leap into the unknown. Initially, I was looking for the meaning of life and decided to venture out of my small home town - Calgary, Alberta, for the classic European adventure. I didn’t exactly find the meaning of life, but what I did find would change my life forever.
It was one of those spontaneous events and out of the norm of my everyday routine, when life offered a glimpse of heaven. For the most part, I’d been trying to appreciate my single life and to a certain degree, had come to enjoy the company of me. Yet, sooner or later loneliness would always come creeping in.
My early morning mediation would focus on one thing and one thing only – love. Deep down there was nothing more that I had wanted but to begin sharing life with another enlightened soul. The Universe however had other plans for me, and for some reason, my current lesson was to learn the art of patience. Finally, after five years of not so patiently waiting, the Universe decided it was time to spice up my life – in a very big way!
∞
The clock showed 4:00pm on a Friday afternoon and I wasn’t as eager for the weekend to begin as my colleagues were. Envisioning another long evening with only the company of myself, I decided to call my friend Claire to join me for dinner and help me keep my mind off of the empty pit in my stomach.
Claire answered in her usual happy tone. “I was just thinking of you. But, love, it’s the Mexican Chili party. I sent you an invite on Facebook. Didn’t you read it?”
No, I had ignored Facebook for over a week, attempting to counter my slight obsession with it. Apparently I was missing out on my social life. I cringed with disappointment. Parties weren’t exactly my cup of tea. Something pulling my tank top straps however, told me to get up, out and move, as Claire persuaded me to get out and try something new. For once I decided to listen to my inner voice (along with Claire) and step outside my comfort zone.
A few hours later, I found myself feeling nervous as I climbed the stairs up to Claire’s flat and when opening the door was relieved to see her walking up to me with a big smile. She hugged me as if she was never going to see me again and immediately offered me some of her homemade chili.
“So glad you came! You’re going to have a blast, trust me.”
“Sure,” I said looking around at all the strangers in the room.
“Here, try my homemade chili. I’ve changed the recipe and added some extra spice. It’s going to spice up your life.” Claire winked and took a big taste directly from the pot.
“I’m not good with spice and hot foods.” I said, not wanting to try the chili.
“Oh, come on. Don’t be such a fuddy duddy.” And she almost shoved the spoon of hot chili in my mouth. I shook my head and reached for some chips instead.
Claire frowned. “You should try new things more often.”
“I agree.” A male voice came from out of nowhere from behind me. “The chili is delicious.”
Turning around, my face landed upon a fairly young looking male, that (in my opinion) looked entirely too American. Sporting a Harley Davidson T-shirt and what looked like an army cap, my attention immediately turned to the very large tattoo that was engraved on his muscular arm. Who was this? I had never seen him among Claire’s circle before and realized I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
“Andrew!” Claire squealed. You and the Italian made it! (Claire was referring to Andrew’s very attractive friend, Anthony, who was chatting up every single girl in the room who looked like a model.
“We did, barely in fact. The rain almost got to us on the bikes, but luckily did a side step."
Andrew smiled and for some reason I melted when he did. Just then Claire spotted some other friends and ran over to them before she could even introduce me to the American.
Andrew quickly eased the awkwardness and looked straight into my eyes. “So you don’t like spice?”
“Some spice, but not too much.” For some inexplicable reason I blushed. Andrew’s green eyes were captivating.
“Well maybe you should try something new. Honestly, it’s not that spicy.”
I couldn’t resist. I tasted the chili and he was right. It turned out to be more sweet than spicy. And that did it. Andrew and I began a conversation that wouldn’t end just that night. A year later I found myself saying I do to "will you marry me?" Who knew that my life would change forever – all because of one cooked pot of spicy chili…
∞
When life becomes routine, spice it up with a few changes.
Add something new to the pot!
Get rid of expectation – life brings gifts in unexpected ways.
Step outside of your comfort zone. It is then that life can offer new avenues for growth.
If you feel afraid – good! The more butterflies you have, the more you should run towards that which makes you feel uncomfortable.
Most of all – be open and adapt your routine and embrace change.
