F ennel G ratin
Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
Whether we are facing a daunting challenge like divorce or embarking on a new creative journey, we have to adapt our mindset to grow. One powerful concept we like to share with clients and our staff alike comes from David Emerald’s “The Empowerment Dynamic.” He provides a framework to escape the dreaded drama triangle of the common human roles of victim, persecutor, and rescuer. It can change our entire path when we can make a mental switch and instead think of those roles as creator, challenger, and coach. By embracing the idea that we are the creators of our lives, we can stop reacting to problems and instead take ownership of our outcomes. This means engaging in a creative process, which researchers have found to be the same regardless of what you are creating. Just like making a piece of artwork, you must have a vision of what you want to create or manifest and then assess where you are currently. There will naturally be tension between where you are and where you want to be. Emerald calls this “dynamic tension,” which you can best imagine as a rubber band stretched tight between two points: our reality and our desired outcomes. We can easily mistake the tension as anxiety, which often causes us to give up on the vision we have. If we can instead see it as a positive driving force for what we desire and hope for, it can propel us forward and closer to our goals. It takes baby steps — small, manageable actions — to make your vision more sustainable. Whether it’s trying to lose weight, reach a professional goal, or navigate a divorce, breaking your big dreams into small steps can help you maintain your focus without burning out. Baby steps are not linear, and you’ll have to prepare for a sometimes bumpy ride with setbacks. But, as long as you commit yourself to what you can start, stop, or change, then you’re on the road to your desired outcomes. The creative process isn’t about perfection but persistence and the right mindset. You can transform your biggest challenges into your dreams by embracing the dynamic tension between your reality and your goals and taking baby steps. Using the Empowerment Dynamic to Achieve Your Goals CREATOR, CHALLENGER, COACH
I ngredients • 2 cups heavy cream • 2 shallots, roughly chopped • 4 garlic cloves, smashed • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 1/2 tsp salt • 1 tsp black pepper • 3 large fennel bulbs, cored and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
D irections 1. Preheat oven to 350 F with one rack in the center and one about 4 inches from the heat. 2. In a small saucepan, bring cream, shallots, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring often, for another 15–20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. 3. Arrange fennel wedges, slightly overlapping, in a large cast-iron skillet or broiler-safe 2-quart baking dish. Pour cream mixture over fennel. Roast on center rack until fennel is tender, about 40–50 minutes. 4. Remove skillet and increase oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over fennel. Broil on upper rack until top is browned, 1–4 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
“The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” –G eorge S antayana
3
Call for a Consultation: ( 866) 245-5685
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator