Good pots can stir up some pretty decent life lessons

Today’s post about kitchenware is actually about how good it feels to get what I really want. Remember my old frypan that I bought for myself as a young bride? The one with the broken handle that reminded me of my failed marriage? Well, here’s what happened to it….

When I initially blogged about my busted Farberware, the comments were swift and emotional. Most of you said to trash the sorry reminder of the past and let go. A few said I should fix it. One reader shared the link to the lifetime warranty information on the manufacturer’s website.

I listened to everyone! After the post, I drove over to Macy’s and discovered Belgique’s “Tools of the Trade” line. I took home the $44.99 12-inch, stainless steel “Everyday Pan” which features twin hand grips rather than the standard long handle that always takes up too much room in the kitchen cabinet. Also irresistible was a $29.99, two-quart, bell-shaped stock pot (which isn’t available on the website). They are good-looking and sturdy (like me, haha). I love using them.

As for the old frypan…earlier this year, a big box arrived in the mail. Inside was a free, brand-new, 12-inch Farberware frypan which retails in the $50 range! It weighs a a hefty five pounds+plus — at least two pounds more than the Belgique. While rather unwieldy, it still comes in handy during busy times at the stove.

What a profound resolution to my kitchenware drama. To think, I started with a broken pan and ended up learning a few lessons about honoring my own feelings — even in seemingly small matters. This is important because when I look back at the mistakes I’ve made in my life, they often stemmed from dismissing my personal reactions to people, places and things. Over time, those random dismissals hardened into denial that can take a lot of effort to straighten out.

So this weekend, when I switched over my closet to the spring stuff, I really thought about what items made me happy. The rest have been bagged and put in the basement for our summer garage sale. Another small step forward.

Of course, I could only get to this point with your advice — thank you, thank you! And that is the other lesson for me: If I can open my arms and ask for help, chances are there’s someone ready to give me a hug.   :)