Taste Test

Taste, discernment, judgment. Whatever you want to call it, you need it. My high school superlative was "most likely to be a judge." They didn't give me that for my interest in the justice system. It was shady but true. I'm mad judgmental. In my naivety, I thought it was more about all the things that you'll say no to - quick and cutting decisiveness. Turning your nose up at anything that doesn't fit into your current paradigm. Lately, I've learned it's so different. Not quite the opposite, but different. In an effort to hone my discernment, personal style, and life path, I'm taking a few steps.

Step 1: Challenging Consumption

We've all been consuming tons of content. My personal binge of choice is podcasts. From the moment I wake up until about 2 pm, I am going in and out of my favorite podcasts, sharing my headspace with voices of influence. Recently, I realized I was doing it all wrong. Not only was I just listening, but I was ABSORBING every little thing I heard. It was sick. There is a lot of value in some ways, but let's be real, taking it all at face value is WILD. That's exactly what was happening until one day I had a small hairline crack in the euphoria as a listener. For the first time ever, I thought, "That answer was cliche." That was the first real opinion I ever had as a listener. Sad, but true. So, of course, I had to make a list of things to consider when consuming content:

• Get comfortable making silent opinions - there's no reason to blow up a comment section, but also no need to be numb.

• Reflect with respect - respect mainly for your own time and the reality that being over-critical of others can bleed into your own work.

• Look it up - it takes 20 seconds; if you care that much, just look it up.

Step 2: Taste Making

One of the most interesting things I've learned was from a well-known party planner. She said she doesn't plan parties based on her clientele or occasion. Instead, she banks her ideas and fits the occasion into them. Because of the ebb and flow of creativity and her demanding schedule, she details her ideas and then revisits them when the time is right. I loooooove this. There's no waste. No waste of an idea or time when you're ready to execute. You can do it all whenever you're ready. Write it down. Write everything down!

Step 3: Let Things Live

You liked it, and now you don't. Who cares? You're not married to anything, and even if you were, divorce it. Like things for as long as you want, and then let them go. You're allowed to change your mind. If you think something might be for you, check it out. Dive into it. Find out it's not for you? Leave it there. Personally, I have to take the shame out of changing my mind. That's ego talking more than anything.

As you work on developing your taste, discernment, and judgment, remember that it's not about being too strict with yourself. Instead, focus on finding what feels right and authentic to you. Take your time, have fun with it, and embrace the growth that comes with exploring your path.

With Love and Discovery,

Yvanna