The soup is simmering—or, more accurately, the stock is simmering. It’s my day-after-Thanksgiving tradition: covering the turkey carcass with water, adding onions, celery, carrots, and herbs, and letting it bubble away into a fragrant, nutritious stock.
With part of the stock, I make wild rice soup with leftover turkey meat and fresh vegetables, sharing bowls of warmth with friends and neighbors. The rest goes into the freezer, portioned into two-cup servings, ready to infuse future soups and stews with depth and comfort throughout winter.
This ritual, especially the simmering process, parallels so many aspects of life.
The Power of the Simmer
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Good things often take time. Whether it’s building a relationship, developing a skill, or recovering from life’s challenges, some of the most rewarding parts of life come when we allow the ingredients of our experiences to come together and deepen over time.
What’s Worth Simmering?
Letting things simmer—be it an idea, a project, or even an emotional response—creates something more nuanced, layered, and meaningful.
Are You What’s
- Ideas and Creativity: Sometimes, the best ideas emerge not in the first burst of inspiration but after they’ve had time to evolve. Let your thoughts steep and revisit them later.
- Relationships: Like a simmering stock, the richness of relationships develops through shared time, stories, and quiet moments. Check in with friends, send a thoughtful message, or simply share a meal.
- Self-Care and Growth: Personal growth doesn’t happen overnight. Whether it’s starting a fitness routine, practicing gratitude, or learning a new skill, let the process unfold at its own pace.
The Extended Goodness
Just as my turkey stock lives on in future soups and stews, the benefits of letting things simmer often extend beyond the moment. The patience and care you invest today will provide nourishment long into the future.
As you move into the busy December season, consider what’s worth simmering in your life. Whether it’s a moment of gratitude, an idea, or a relationship, take the time to let it bubble gently and transform into something truly enriching.
Two Links Du Jour:
A Clear Explanation on Chicken Broth vs Stock – Food 52
Four Reasons to Cultivate Patience – Greater Good Magazine – Science-based Insights for a Meaningful Life
Two Minutes Du Jour 