Cup of Inspiration

Today, January 25^th, is National Fish Taco Day. Today we are encouraged to use the fish of our choice in a taco loaded with our favorite seasonings. Savor a fish taco dish with your friends at lunch, or even with your family around the dinner table. Today reminds me that it is good to try new things, such as the fish taco.

For years, I thought fish tacos were one of the most disgusting ways someone could eat a taco. To me, tacos should only contain beef or chicken. Why in the world would someone add fish? Yes, fish is healthy, and is wonderful when combined with steamed vegetables and rice. But why destroy a perfectly good taco with fish?

One day, members of my Toastmasters club met for lunch at a restaurant. It was going to be our last get together before Christmas. I looked forward to spending a little time away from the office with my fellow Toastmasters while we talked about our holiday plans and the coming new year. The server handed us menus, and someone mentioned getting fish tacos. I made the mention that I could never imagine eating such a thing. It just sounded wrong. I was asked “Have you ever had one?” I admitted I had not. “How do you know it would not taste good? If you enjoy fish, and you enjoy tacos, why would you think putting them together wouldn’t be good?”

I thought for a minute, and they were right. How could I judge a dish in such a way? I loved fish, and I could eat tacos every week if I could. I had based my opinion on what others had said and thought, not on my personal experience. They told me “Give it a try.” So, I did. I went ahead and ordered the fish tacos.

After all, this was the group with whom I should share such an experience. I did not think I would ever get up in front of a room to give a speech. However, this group helped pull me out of that thinking. I was hardly comfortable giving speeches. I still had never given one in front of a large crowd. But, thanks to this group’s encouragement, I was finally able to give 5–7-minute speeches in front of a room full of people. I had managed to take on an officer role in the club. They had gently pushed me out of my comfort zone before. Why not continue the trend and encourage me to get out of my comfort zone by ordering a different lunch plate?

When the food came to our table, the fish tacos were put in front of me. Strangely, the tilapia pieces in those soft taco shells looked good. The smell was amazing. I lifted my first fish taco, bit in, and could not believe how fantastic it tasted! The seasoning was amazing. The fish texture was perfect. The tilapia had the perfect flavor and texture to blend with the rest of the taco. What a delightful dish I had been missing all along!

Is there a food dish that you just know would taste bad, but you have never tried? Is there an experience you have thought about, but allowed your fear or other people’s opinions to shy you away from trying? On a bigger scale, is there a job for which you would like to apply, but you aren’t sure if you should try? Do you have an idea for a business, but you do not know if being an entrepreneur is right for you? Give it a try!

Do not be afraid to try new things. While you are thinking about something new you can try, enjoy a plate of fish tacos with people you care about. Bon Appetit!