Life throws curveballs. Everyone, regardless of age or background, faces challenging times. Whether these struggles are voiced aloud or kept private, there are moments when we yearn for a fresh start, a clean slate. Sometimes, that immediate new beginning doesn’t materialize as we expect. Life, or perhaps a higher power, often guides us to understand that our present situation holds a purpose. It’s in these moments that we are called upon to learn to walk again.
Recently, the Foo Fighters’ song “Walk” has resonated deeply. On a personal note, the past couple of years have presented their share of hurdles. While outward appearances might have projected strength and positivity, internal worries, fears, and sadness were present. These feelings are a natural part of the human experience. Acknowledging them isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather an affirmation of our vitality. It’s how we navigate and process these emotions, and how we rise after setbacks, that shapes our individual character.
This online space has played a significant role in rediscovering parts of myself that felt dormant or lost. Perhaps these aspects weren’t truly gone, but rather suppressed, making it easier to drift through life untouched, unbothered, and uninspired. But enough is enough. To put it bluntly, and in line with the raw emotion – screw that! This is life, my life, and it’s time to reclaim it with renewed vigor.
Echoing the powerful lyrics of the song “Walk,” I too am learning to walk and talk again. The desire for this change has been brewing for a while. The challenge lies in pinpointing the starting point. However, with the incredible support received here and from my personal circle, that beginning is starting to take shape.
Me learning to walk again…Smiling is the first step!
The Foo Fighters’ lyrics encapsulate this sentiment perfectly, offering a powerful mantra for anyone seeking a new direction:
I’m learning to walk again
I believe I’ve waited long enough
Where do I begin?
I’m learning to talk again
I believe I’ve waited long enough
Where do I begin?I’m dancing on my grave
I’m running through the fire
Forever, whenever
I never wanna die
I never wanna leave
I never say goodbye
Forever, whenever, forever, whenever
These words are more than just song lyrics; they are an anthem for resilience, a declaration of unwavering spirit. The lines “I’m dancing on my grave, I’m running through the fire” speak volumes about facing adversity head-on and embracing life with all its complexities.
Found this picture of Dave Grohl on Facebook. He looks so full of life. I love it!
Inspired by the song’s title and theme of new beginnings, let’s move from learning to “walk” to learning to “wok” with a recipe that embodies fresh starts and vibrant energy.
Learning to Wok Again Stir-Fry: A Recipe for Rejuvenation
This stir-fry is not just a meal; it’s a culinary embodiment of the “learning to walk again” spirit. It’s about combining fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the invigorating heat of the wok to create something new and exciting.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup lite soy sauce
- A few dashes of Smoked Paprika
- Assorted vegetables of your choice (suggestions: 1 onion, 1 head of broccoli, 2 carrots, 2 bell peppers, 1 Serrano pepper, 3 cloves of garlic, 1/2 habanero pepper for extra heat, mushrooms, water chestnuts)
- Protein of your choice (thinly sliced chicken breasts, beef strips, tofu, or shrimp work well)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
- Cooked brown rice, white rice, or noodles for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together water, cornstarch, Sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. Set aside. This sauce is the flavor base that ties everything together, much like music provides a foundation for our emotions.
- Heat the Wok: Heat EVOO in a wok over medium-high heat. The wok is where the transformation happens, symbolizing the active step in “learning to wok again.”
- Cook the Protein: Add your chosen protein to the wok and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add your vegetables to the wok and stir-fry until they reach your desired tenderness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetable combinations to find your perfect mix – just as in life, variety brings richness.
- Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked protein to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully. This thickening sauce represents the strengthening resolve as we learn and grow.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot over brown rice, white rice, or noodles. Brown rice offers a nutty and wholesome base, mirroring the grounding feeling of finding your footing again.
This stir-fry is a celebration of flavors and textures, a dish to be enjoyed as you embark on your own journey of “learning to walk again.”
Find Your “Walk”
Just as the Foo Fighters’ song “Walk” has served as a personal anthem, music can be a powerful tool for navigating life’s challenges and finding inspiration for new beginnings. Take some time to listen to “Walk” and reflect on its message. Consider what your own “Walk” song might be – the music that motivates you to move forward, to embrace change, and to learn to walk again, stronger than before.
You can listen to “Walk” by Foo Fighters here. The music video itself is also incredibly inspiring and worth checking out.
Explore more recipes and musical inspiration in previous “Will Cook for Foo” posts here.
Embrace the journey, find your rhythm, and keep learning to walk again.
