How To Avoid Difficulty: Another Cypriot Life Lesson
Well, I’ve figured out by now that the theme of this trip learning about love and simplicity. Once again, a single statement threw me for a tailspin, and it’s been ringing in my head over a week now.
This statement came from an interview of a restaurant owner Mattheous. I had the privilege of drilling him with questions, my favorite past time. He was talking about the measures he makes while preparing traditional Cypriot food, and I asked him a follow-up question, what was the most difficult thing about preparing traditional food?
The response went like this: Nothing is difficult. I enjoy what I do, and therefore nothing is difficult.
Honestly, how many people would have answered with nothing? Not me for sure.
Ballon salesman in the Old City, I like to think he enjoys his job.
I’ve already been working on applying this “nothing is difficult” theory to life. One of my side projects is that I’m an amateur artist. Hand me some colorful paint and a canvas, and I could paint all day long. I’ll easily answer what is the most difficult part. I lack pure artistic talent. My artistic escapades usually end in a frustrated mess. I paint, and paint over and paint over again until I ruin the canvas. Believe me I’ve created more trash than useable artwork. I get so focused on created a perfect masterpiece that I forget why I started painting in the first place, because I enjoy it. Simple as that.
After reflecting on this nothing is difficult statement, I went out and bought a sketch pad, and set of pastels. I’ve taken enjoyment in “pasteling” in the Cypriot spirit all week long.
Mattheos also revealed in his interview that his regulars nicknamed him “the smiling chef.” If you really enjoy what you are doing then it shows through. I’m being reminded of something I forgot, love is the glue that keeps simplicity and life together.