Relish and Ketchup
No, this isn’t a post about hot dogs, though I do like them.
It’s about a phrase I have recently seen on a sign on my commute home from work: “Relish today. Ketchup tomorrow.” It’s a catchy phrase. “Ketch-y” if you like. But I am here to take issue with it this morning. “Relish today” is wonderful. A good plan. Go for it! Daily. Hourly if you and I remember.
I can pause and savor a sunset. Stop and notice one of our house plants blooming. I can pay full attention to the person with whom I am in conversation. Or lay in bed enjoying the cozy warmth and the quiet breathing of my husband Darcy next to me. Relish. Savor. Add flavor and gratitude. It’s always available and always free, unlike the relish we put on our hot dogs.
It’s the “Ketchup tomorrow” that isn’t sitting well with me. Nothing against ketchup. I use it regularly. The problem is the implication in the phrase. Are you telling me that if I take time to pause in gratitude today that I have somehow wasted time and will need to make up for it tomorrow? I respectfully disagree! And disagree some more!
We live in a society that struggles with balance and seems to reward the multitaskers and overdoers. Think about it. What is the reward in an approach like that? More tasks and more doing. Rewards that are only temporary and often lean toward unhealthy.
Is that really what we are striving for? Not me. I strive to slow down and savor. I am more energized and keep my priorities straight when I return to right here, right now at least a few times a day. It is time well spent and besides bringing clarity, it also adds more flavor to my day.
Sometimes the most important thing to do is nothing. Breathe. Breathe again. Sometimes there is profound significance in a pause and bringing attention to something like the sunset below. Yes, the sun sets every day, but this one was special. It was the only sunset on January 29, 2025. My eyes, heart, and soul got to witness it.
I am an advocate for more relishing and good energy. Ketchup can remain a condiment, not an admonishment. Spread some relish throughout your day today. I will do the same. Onward!
