Thai Tuna Sliders

“I'm 23 years old, and not sure what to do with my life.”

Photo Credit: Death to Photo Stock

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I've been thinking about him this week, a game of phone tag, we seemed destined to lose.  Instead, the simplest of messages would have to suffice

“I love you; you know that, right?” 

The last time we talked, a life being rebuilt

“I love all things music, plants, and nutrition.  I know I should go to college, but the cost of tuition seems too high

I really like the town I'm living in, but have always wanted to hop a bus and move west.  I don't want to be without her, though; remember the night we met?  In sixth grade?  She's finally catching a groove, and I'd feel awful asking her to uproot and start all over again.  She's so close to her family

When you stop to think about it, there are so many decisions to make; a million different ways life could go.  How do you know which paths to choose?

Maybe I'm just stuck in a Grass is Always Greener mentality?  Should I focus more on having a positive outlook and counting the many blessings that I do have?  Or should I go for it because life is too short, and I'll have regrets if I don't?”

There's a little part of me that pauses every time I hear someone say the words “I don't know what to do with my life.”  In my forties, I still find myself asking the same questions from time to time

There certainly are people I've met, who knew from a young age exactly what they wanted to be and made it happen.  A close friend from high school who dreamed of law school, now a partner at a firm in Colorado.

A friend from college who wanted to study medicine.  She lived at the library, was accepted to an Ivy League school, and kept right on studying.  She's now a surgeon, and I'm positive she's a darn good one.

A segment from NPR's Fresh Air this week:  An interview with a former Orca Trainer for SeaWorld.  John Hargrove who, at the age of six, saw a show at Sea World.  He knew right then and there that he wanted to swim with and train killer whales.  Everything he did from that moment forward, was an advancement toward his goal

(ps:  My goodness, it's an incredible story.  He's also written a book)

Hats off to those who've followed their dream, and rarely wandered from the path, no matter what beautiful adventures were waiting just beyond their route.  Admittedly; I haven't always been one of them.

I happen to love stopping on a whim at roadside flea markets, or small-town dive bars.  The same goes for new coffee shops, food trucks, curiosity shops, movie theaters with subtitles and hot chocolate, and farmer's markets that sell all sorts of veggies, along with colorful soaps and candles.

To trudge uphill in one direction, all of the time is something I'm simply not built for.  Thinking a few steps backward or sideways have rarely hurt anyone.  More importantly, I know some of my most pivotal decisions I've made have come when I stepped away from life's well-worn path

It's been during times when I've stopped long enough to listen to the little voice in my gut.  The one that goes from the softest of whispers to a much louder shout.  The one that's always shown me the way

A part of me wants to speak to him from the heart.

“Stop looking Loves.  If those things are all you do; they will be enough.  There's a lot to be said for having a job that pays the bills and buys food for your tummy.  There's, even more, to be said for having someone you love to share your life with.”

Another part of me needs to speak as a Mom.  Especially when it comes to such topics as college.

“A college degree is important for so many reasons, if only as an exercise in starting something and showing your future employers that you finished.  You should also realize that to most of the world; education is power.  It's a language everyone understands, a currency that never loses its value; an investment that opens doors and can only appreciate over time.

Remember, though; there really is no finishing when it comes to education.  You'll never know everything you need to, or could possibly want to 

Also, think hard about this one.  Are you sure happiness is only a bus ticket away?  That a change of scenery will fix the restlessness of your spirit?  Sometimes it's best to stay where you are and do the work.  It'll be the same, no matter the state the window you're looking out of happens to be in

Trust me on this one

I wonder if this isn't simply the season to enjoy getting to know who you are, right where you are.  I've found, my life can be as big or as small as I'd like it to be

whenever and wherever I happen to be

ps: I love you too; goodnight from afar.”

Photo Credit: Death to Photo Stock

These off-beat tuna sliders are a great idea for a different yet simple weeknight dinner.

A few notes about the recipe. The food processor came in handy.  I used it to mince the tuna, onion, and grated carrots together.

Also, you can always skip the bun and serve them crumbled up on a salad, or on their own with some wasabi mayo (if you're feeling brave)

Enjoy!

xoxo

~ Adapted from All Recipes