I am I said
Neil Diamond had a number of hit songs himself and through other artists like the Monkeys. One of those songs was an existential plea that is the mantra of today: “I am I said”; for today is National I am day. It’s a day of empowerment, Stuart Smalley style. It’s time to whip out those daily affirmations Phrases like “I am good enough, smart enough, and dog gone it, people like me”. While Al Franken’s character poked fun at the neediness of daily affirmations, the underlying premise is important to the well being of everyone. Some people take it a little too far, though, creating an overly positive view of themselves. Many famous people, especially politicians cross the line between healthy introspection into sheer narcissism. The exercise of using I am statements is supposed to be an accurate description of who you are, not a series of excuses for arrogance.
That’s why Neil’s simple words resonate: “I am I said”. Four simple words That cut to the very core of our being without pretense. It acknowledges a fact: I am, with the disclaimer that I claim this to be true. Will his gravestone say “I was I think”. Descartes famously said “I think, therefore I am”. And, Monty Python amended the saying to: “I drink therefore I am”. While you don’t have to discover the actual Meaning of life, it’s a good time to take stock in who you are, and, how to be better. Think of it as a renewing of those pesky new years resolutions you gave up on 6 weeks ago. The best time to institute a resolution is right now. And, the phrase “I am” is a perfect starting point. I am only cumin, and I am finishing this paragraph… now…
Table of Contents
Deeper and more introspective
Descartes said je pense, donc je suis (in French) in his Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting One’s Reason and of Seeking Truth in the Sciences. And he used the Latin term: cogito, ergo sum in his later principles of Philosophy. Regardless of which language, it’s the concept of I think therefore I am. He posits that, like in Newtonian physics, without external forces, all things desire a straight path. Saying I am, removes those external forces, and puts the onus on the thinker to be what you’ll be.
Of course, we don’t live in a vacuum. There are always external forces. And, we learn from others. The act of reading even influences your trajectory. Hopefully, it’s in a positive direction. By saying “I am”, you strip away the societal mandates of “you are” or “you should be”. But, don’t get too cocky. You can say “I am an elephant”. That doesn’t make it true. However, you can share characteristics with an elephant, such as having eyes, ears, and lungs to breathe. But, like the blind men of Indostan, claiming knowledge of that which you have not seen results in an inaccurate description. To truly arrive at an understanding of “I am”, one needs deep introspection. Like the parts of the elephant, we may be a trunk, tail, ear, or knee. However, we are all part of something bigger.
Indeed, we are the cosmos. Yet, our physical form limits us in the physical world; while, Introspection and meditation allows us to be one with the universe. As Ray davies sang, [I am] “A nine stone weakling with knobbly knees”, but want to be super man. So, when you say I am, you can be both: the physical reality, and the metaphysical connection to all possibilities.
Discovering Inner peace starts with “I am I said”
So, today is your turn to affirm who you are and eschew victimhood. I am takes the onus of control from external forces and delivers it to you, and you alone: I am not falling for propaganda; I am not listening to untruths and half truths; I am determined to think critically; I have control over my body, mind, actions, and reactions. But, it goes much further. Who would think that 2 words, 3 letters hold so much power? Many people use the same 3 letters to hurt themselves and others, though. Statements like I am ugly, fat, worthless, even evil cut far deeper. And, people tend to believe those statements more than the positive ones. Therefore, it’s time to really think about what and how we say things, especially to ourselves.
For, the reality is we all are (extrapolate to I am) part of the universe. So, as Chris Bell sang: “I am the Cosmos”. That sounds a little better than I am a loser, fat, lazy, or unworthy. Of course, many people say I am not a good cook to themselves. But, we have the antidote for that. Follow our guidance throughout this website, and you too can produce restaurant quality food in your home kitchen. We believe that food and philosophy are intertwined. Man makes food, but, food makes man. We are what we eat. Today that translates to I am: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner, snack, dessert, whichever, and all of the above. As Chevy Chase said in Caddyshack, See the ball. Be the ball. And, as Popeye said: I yam what I yam. So, today, we will be all those things and more. So, repeat after me: “I am…”
Speaking of yams, here’s a recipe for you to become one with:
Maple Bourbon Glazed Scallops with Celery Root and Yam Puree and Apple Slaw
Ingredients
- 1.5 # Large Scallops, muscle removed
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Thyme
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Ginger
- 1/2 Cup Bourbon or other type of Whiskey
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 Cup Maple Syrup
- 1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter
- For Apple Slaw:
- 1 Large Gala Apple
- 1/4 Cup Shaved Red Onion
- 1/4 Cup Julienne Red Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Chives Cut into 1 inch Strips
- 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup
- 1/2 Cup Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 Cup Vegetable oil (Neutral)
- For Puree:
- 1 Lb Peeled Yams or sweet Potatoes
- 1 Lb Peeled Celery Root
- 1/4 Lb Butter, unsalted
- 1/4 Cup Honey
- Oil for Cooking
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix Ginger, Herbs, Maple, bourbon, lemon juice, and a little oil, salt and pepper. Marinate the scallops in this mix for about an hour.
- Peel and Cut Celery Root and Yams into 1 inch Pieces. Boil in salted water, in separate pans until soft (They cook at different rates). Drain both well. Place celery root in food processor. Pulse and mix until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Add in the yams, continue processing until smooth and mixed well. Add in honey, butter, salt, and pepper. Place in a pan to reheat when needed.
- Make the slaw: Julienne the vegetables and apples into 1 inch strips. Mix the cider vinegar, dijon, maple, salt and pepper, drizzle in the oil while whisking until the dressing becomes emulsified. Mix all ingredients together. Set aside until needed.
- Heat a little oil in a saute pan over medium high heat. Remove the scallops from the marinade. Save the marinade. Sear the scallops about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Add the marinade to the pan and cook another minute or two until the scallops are completely cooked. Remove the scallops and continue reducing the marinade until it becomes a glaze.
- Reheat the yam/celery root mix. Place on a plate. Top with the scallops. Brush or drizzle the glaze over the scallops. Then top with the slaw. Serve immediately.