STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES

It’s funny how common phrases strike me differently these days. Though the majority of this blog captures my tasteless journey with food, a friendly comment yesterday reminded me of the smell-less portion of my dilemma and how we often take this particular sense for granted, literally and figuratively.

I had the opportunity to work with a phenomenal executive coach last year. Charmaine McClaire is a “no nonsense, tell it like it is no matter how difficult the feedback is” kind of coach and I love her for it! One of the things she constantly coached me on was the very necessary need for me to slow down and enjoy life.  Those that know me well recognize me as a certified Type A personality always driving to the next task. During my coaching sessions Charmaine constantly challenged me to hit the pause button and celebrate/appreciate the wins before charging forward to the next task. She constantly reminded me to “stop and smell the roses.”

But I literally can’t do that now. So all night I pondered  how to bring the figurative application to life. I’m still pondering (suggestions appreciated). But what I did realize is that the loss of my sense of smell has actually had a more profound impact on my life than the loss of taste. I truly did not appreciate it until it was gone. You have no idea how odd it is to not be able to smell a rose, freshly cut grass, perfume, fresh herbs, etc. Think of your favorite smells and imagine no longer enjoying them…odd eh?

So with my new appreciation for smell (and the loss thereof); a need to pause and enjoy life because things change in an instant; and Charmaine’s voice in my head, I will continue to ponder how to figuratively “stop and smell the roses”while my literal sense of smell returns.

Are you enjoying the fragrances of life?

As always…I am the Tasteless (Smell-less) Gourmand!