Debt

Do you ever wish you could go back and thank someone who had a tremendous influence upon your life but they don't know it?

When I was a young monkey, and only starting to assimilate into human society, I had a teacher who did me a great favor. I think of her often and wish I could acknowledge the debt I owe her.

One of the activities this teacher required was a daily journal. One of the assigned writings was to write about something you wished you could do, and what was holding you back.

I wrote that I wanted to learn to cook. But, I was afraid that developing such a domestic skill would on one hand take up time that could be put to developing other skills, and on the other would mean that I would forever be defined only by domestic skills and no other traits.

She wrote back to me that cooking was a wonderful creative outlet and that I shouldn't allow what other people think hold me back. I think of her words, her inspiration often. Especially when I create something in my kitchen that I am particularly proud of -- I always wish that I could share it with her in thanks.