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Figuring It Out, One Moment at a Time: Lessons From Life and Cooking

From Cooking in a Van to Building a Passionate Life: Embracing the Journey of Figuring Things Out

Finding Passion in the Mess: A Life Lesson From Cooking in a Van

Life rarely unfolds according to a perfect script. It’s messy, unpredictable, and filled with twists and turns that no amount of planning can anticipate. This sentiment is the heart of a journey that begins in the unlikeliest of places—a Walmart parking lot, cooking an egg sandwich out of the back of a van.

The Unexpected Path

Three years ago, if someone had predicted that I’d wake up in a van parked at Walmart, running a moderately successful YouTube channel, I would have laughed. Back then, my life was steeped in uncertainty, with no grand plan or clear direction. But somewhere along the way, I realized that the best things in life often aren’t planned—they’re built piece by piece from moments of experimentation and curiosity.

I’ve spent years grappling with the question of what I truly enjoy in life. Often, it felt like there was nothing I genuinely liked. Except, perhaps, for an egg sandwich—a humble creation I’ve eaten daily for years without ever tiring of it. Beyond that, my path was unclear. I had tried countless hobbies, only to abandon most of them because they didn’t hold my interest. It felt like I was perpetually lost, envying those who seemed to have it all figured out: the runners, painters, and surfers who exuded purpose and passion.

Embracing the Process

But as time went on, I discovered that passion isn’t something you stumble upon—it’s something you create. This realization began, of all places, with cooking. My experiments in the kitchen were far from glamorous. Some meals were disasters, others bizarre. There were triumphs, like a meal served with a breathtaking view, and moments of connection, like when strangers mistook me for a garlic bread vendor and wanted to buy dinner. Each meal taught me something, not just about cooking but about life.

Cooking, I realized, isn’t just about the end product. It’s about showing up, adding one ingredient at a time, and figuring out what works. The process is often messy and imperfect, but somehow, things come together in the end. This lesson transcends the kitchen—it applies to every aspect of life, from building a van to launching a business or even creating YouTube videos.

Passion vs. Addiction

In today’s world, it’s easy to confuse passion with addiction. Social media, instant gratification, and quick dopamine hits can trick us into thinking we’re passionate about something when, in reality, we’re just chasing the next high. True passion, however, requires effort. It’s about creating something meaningful and earning the satisfaction that comes with it.

For a long time, I chased fleeting pleasures, unsure of what I truly wanted. But through cooking and creating, I learned the value of slowing down and immersing myself in a process. Whether it’s crafting a meal, building a van, or starting a new venture, the act of creating is what brings fulfillment. Passion isn’t handed to you—it’s built, piece by piece.

Lessons From Cooking

Cooking has been my greatest teacher. It taught me to embrace imperfection, to experiment, and to learn from mistakes. Life, like cooking, isn’t about having a foolproof recipe. It’s about adapting, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that, and finding joy in the process.

The lessons I’ve learned in the kitchen extend far beyond food. They’ve influenced how I approach every project and every challenge. Building something from scratch, whether it’s a meal or a business, requires patience, resilience, and creativity. And while the results aren’t always perfect, the journey is always worth it.

It’s Okay Not to Have It Figured Out

One of the most liberating realizations I’ve had is that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Life doesn’t come with a roadmap, and that’s part of its beauty. Instead of searching for the “right” path, I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and focus on creating a life I love, one step at a time.

Passion and purpose aren’t destinations—they’re journeys. They’re built through small, deliberate actions and moments of curiosity. Whether it’s cooking an egg sandwich in a van or embarking on a new project, the act of doing is what matters most.

Start Small, Dream Big

If there’s one takeaway from my story, it’s this: start small. You don’t need to have a grand plan or know exactly what you want to do with your life. Begin with something simple—like cooking an egg sandwich—and see where it takes you. Each step will lead to new discoveries and opportunities, and before you know it, you’ll have created something meaningful.

Life is messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises. But that’s what makes it beautiful. So embrace the chaos, try new things, and remember that it’s okay to be uncertain. Passion isn’t found—it’s created, one moment at a time.

Cheers to figuring it out, one egg sandwich at a time.

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