My mom never loved the pressure cooker

My mom never loved the pressure cooker. While most moms embraced it in the communist country where time to cook was short, food was scarce, and families were large, my mom always said NO. Even though food was good, and meals were always on time, she refused to use it.

Why? Because more than seeking an easier time during those hard days, everything she did was about us. My mom’s anxiety was always high, though she never talked about it. But that anxiety kept us safe, as best as she could.

Today, I refused to trust my gut. From morning until evening, I said NO to it. NO, I do not want to listen to you! When your mind and gut tell you something different from others, and you already know that you process things differently, you say NO!

NO to my gut today!

Because I’m too tired to deal with everything in one single day.

What would my mom do? I wish you were here, mom, to tell me what to do…and to NOT trust my guts, BUT just live!

I refused a private room arrangement because of my gut!

NO private room in a socialist country—NEVER EVER! Irina taught me that!

When I called my friends, my call rings echo from a closed apartment. It’s not a coincidence or craziness. What happened before is happening again! My gut was right when I discovered it.

Anything else is people doing their jobs for their people, and me watching them.

People are the same! Life is the same! Freedom is the same! For ALL!

What would mom do? How do you convince someone, whose priorities are different from their own kids, that pressure cooking is dangerous for everyone? The time you gain today, you can lose it ALL tomorrow, as dangerous as it can be!

My dad bought a sophisticated pressure cooker for my mom, proud of his “state class achievement.” My mom took that “achievement,” and it became the grain holder for our ducks, geese, and chickens, and the pot for their water. She transformed the “brand name” pressure cooker gift into happiness for our animals and garden.

That’s what my mom taught me.

If you don’t have time, DO NOT COOK! Cook with time and LOVE! Meals are for soul life and health. And never use a pressure cooker as sophisticated as it could be!

It’s better not to cook at all, then! LOL. Eat out!

At the Filipino corner store, a man was selling cheap jeans from a bag. I smiled. People bought them. It’s a culture—the culture of poverty! I lived it in socialism!

Pressure cookers are part of the culture of poverty, where people hurry to gain control over an uncontrollable situation, driven by poorness!

Breathe with me and stay grounded.

My mom always kept her hands on the oven door handle for 5 seconds before starting cooking. To rest. To settle. After that, the meals would follow.

Today, I didn’t trust my gut at all! But I trusted MY MOM!

Moms protect their babies and teach them through life experiences and stories.

Now, you know that your gut is right. Don’t ignore it!

Trusting Your Gut: A Fun Guide to Navigating New Job and Business Relationships

Because sometimes, your stomach knows best!


Introduction: The Gut Feeling Phenomenon

Ever met someone and just knew they were going to be a great business partner?
Or perhaps you’ve had that nagging feeling that a job opportunity wasn’t quite right, even though it looked perfect on paper. That’s your gut talking! But how do you know when to trust it?

Welcome to your fun-filled guide on blending intuition with a dash of logic to make stellar decisions in your professional life and why not on your personal life too.


1. Dip Your Toes In: Start Small and Test the Waters

Why? Because nobody likes rushing to the beach without checking the weather first! And it is named NORMALITY!

How?

  • Casual Coffees Over Commitments: Before agreeing and signing any dotted lines, grab a coffee or have an informal chat. Observe how the conversation flows. Awkward silences or natural banter?
  • Mini-Projects, Maxi-Insights: Propose a small project or collaboration. It’s like a test drive for your professional relationship. Does it feel like a smooth ride or are the wheels wobbling?

What to Watch For: Are you vibing well? Do they respect your ideas, or do they talk over you like that one friend at parties?


2. Sherlock Mode: Investigate (Minus the Deerstalker Hat)

Why? Trust is good, but verification is better. Plus, who doesn’t love a good sleuthing session?

How?

  • LinkedIn Lurking: Check out their professional history. Endorsements? Recommendations? Any mutual connections ?
  • Google is Your BFF: A quick search can reveal news articles, past projects, or (gasp!) any red flags.

What to Watch For: Consistency in their story. Do their claims match up with what’s online? If they’re the “World’s Best,” does the internet agree? A Person Without a Track Record (good or bad) Might Not Be Real! Even if someone does provide a track record, it’s important to investigate where it comes from and under what circumstances it was established.


3. Phone a Friend: Seeking External Wisdom

Why? Because sometimes, our gut is influenced by that spicy taco we had for lunch.

How?

  • Mentor Moments: Discuss your thoughts with a mentor. They’ve been around the block and can offer invaluable insights.
  • Buddy System: Chat with a trusted friend or colleague. Fresh perspectives can illuminate things you’ve missed.

What to Watch For: Are they echoing your feelings or offering a reality check? Either way, it’s golden information.


4. The Journal Journey: Documenting Your Adventure

Why? Memories can be as fickle as a cat deciding whether it wants to be pet. Writing things down ensures you keep memories in.

How?

  • Note the Nitty-Gritty: After each interaction, write down how you felt, what went well, and any hiccups.
  • Pattern Patrol: Over time, review your entries. Spot any recurring themes or feelings?

What to Watch For: If every note ends with “Left feeling uneasy,” maybe it’s time to face the truth. It is not an ok partnership! Conversely, consistent balance and positive NORMALITY is a green light!


5. Trust, But Don’t Be Hasty: Balancing Gut and Brain

Why? Because while your gut is smart, your brain has its merits too.

How?

  • Pros and Cons Lists: Good old-fashioned, but effective. Lay it all out.
  • Sleep well: Decisions made after a good night’s sleep are often clearer.

What to Watch For: If both your gut and brain are throwing a party in agreement, it’s likely a good sign. If they’re at odds, maybe target more.


Conclusion: The Perfect Blend

Navigating new professional relationships is like baking the perfect cake. You need the right ingredients (instincts), proper measurements (data), and a bit of patience (time). Trust your gut, but back it up with some detective work, friendly consultations, and self-reflection.

Remember, whether it’s a job offer that seems too good to be true, a new friendship or a business partner who’s charming but elusive, this fun-filled guide has got your back. Now, go forth and make decisions that would make both your gut and brain proud!