Let Us Once Again Be of Service

For my entire life, I have strived “to be of service.” Whether this means serving members, my culinary team or those I care about, this motto has directed by actions and helped me to chart the course of my career. Much like a mantra, “to be of service” is what I aspire to do every single day.

But with the chaos surrounding us right now relating to COVID-19, I struggle with how I can still be of service when the world has basically been turned upside down and many of us are sheltering in place. How do I continue to stay motivated, focused and engaged? Where should I begin the process of healing? How can I connect with my team, my members and my industry?

As we all struggle to find our equilibriums, I’ve come to realize that the only way out is through. We must chart a course of action and create a game plan that gets us from here to the other side of this crisis.

As the great statesman Benjamin Franklin said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” When I read this eloquent, yet simple quote, I felt inspired. I must use this unique time to plan for when I’m back in the kitchen, with my team, serving my members. I can continue to be of service by planning for the future.

I picked up a pen and paper, two very simple ingredients, and I began writing down my goals, noting ideas for how I could achieve them and what the outcomes could be if and when I do. I also wrote down a list of the things I miss. That list has served as a treasure trove of new ideas and inspirations.

I am once again writing new menus and developing future projects. I have found ways to team-build over LinkedIn and other web sites. I have begun cooking every day for my family.

I didn’t realize I had so many dreams for my future. But now I see them on paper and I have plans for how I can achieve them. I feel a sense of tranquility and calmness that was not there when the pandemic struck. I know that I don’t have to be anxious and depressed, but that there is room for growth here.

Fellow chefs, please know that all the strength required to get to the other side is already in you. You have proven this fact just by being in the hospitality industry. Use this opportunity to take control of your future and find ways to prevail because of it. Continue to support one another and share the lessons that we all must learn. Be brave. Show compassion. Keep grinding. Keep pushing. Keep serving.

And remember: This too shall pass.