Ramen For Change

"Fear change only when you stop changing. Without change we cannot go forward."
~ Sam Byron

There's a lot of change coming and going in my life right now. I've been learning in these past few weeks how I deal with knowing that change is coming. I know that life changes so quickly in a moment, but for some reason, I tend to become really anxious when I know that a dramatic shift is coming my way.

If you've been going through the Center for Creative Change program at Antioch with me, my apologies. The last thing that you probably want to do right now is hear about change, sitting with ambiguity, or trusting the process. Feel free to skip over this and get to the broth. :)

However, I've been thinking a lot about change lately. About how I deal with change, how those around me deal with change, and what change really means. What I'm thinking is that change is a reminder for me to be present. You cannot hold onto the past, and when the future has not yet arrived, all you have is the present moment. I know that I am going to miss my Antioch community so much. But, instead of being afraid and wanting to cling on, maybe it's time I sat still and appreciated everything that is happening right now.

So that is exactly what I am doing. I'm trying to spend time with the people that I love and care about. I'm giving myself the time and space I need to process. And I'm letting the natural fear and anxiety run its course.

In the meantime, I'm also enjoying some broth. While all this change is going on in our lives, sometimes food is a nice constant and reminder to be present. Are you a broth person? I'm learning this week that I am a big broth person. When facing stress, anxiety, or uncertainty, I gravitate to broth. The noodles are just a bonus.

I really love ramen. Ever since I had that instant stuff in the package as a kid, I've always been drawn to warm noodles and broth. This is my version - it goes great with some broccoli or tofu. Nori is a more traditional addition for ramen, but I absolutely love cilantro so that is how I garnished mine! Here's to the foods we love that never change and all of the great things in our life that always do!


Ramen for one:

1 vegetable bouillon cube (or use about 2 cups of fresh vegetable broth)
2 cups water (or sub broth)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp sesame oil
salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp ginger, minced
noodles - about 2 cups cooked (I used gluten-free, brown rice noodles. You can use whatever noodles you like!)
2 tsp soy sauce (optional)
nori (optional)
handful of broccoli florets (optional)
cilantro (optional)

Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Rinse in cold water, drain, and set aside.

Next, heat the sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic and saute for about 3 minutes. Then add the water and bouillon (or broth). If you are using broccoli and/or soy sauce add that next. Cook for about 3-5 minutes. Finish with salt and pepper and nori or cilantro (if using). Add the noodles and serve.