Let it Simmer!
The Hidden Power of Letting Ideas Brew
“20’s are not for hobbies and other interests. You’ve got to be grinding & hustling”
I heard this at a networking event, and for a moment, I felt my old self wanting to jump in. You know, the one ready to defend the importance of balance and taking breaks.
I could’ve launched into a rant about burnout and how “rest is resistance.”
But instead, I paused. Took a deep breath. And let it simmer.
Our Thoughts Are Often Borrowed
At some point, you’ve probably heard something—maybe from your parents, teachers, or that overly confident friend who always has an opinion—and thought, “Yeah, that makes sense.”
Before you know it, that idea sneaks in and becomes a core value.
Or maybe you had an experience that worked out well, so you slapped a “this-is-how-it’s-done” label on it and never questioned it again.
Sound familiar?
Ever felt ready to argue when someone challenges those views? You might start building walls to protect your beliefs or take things too personally.
I’ve been there, too. Quick to defend and argue, shutting down anything that doesn’t fit my view.
The Power of Simmering
I’m from Kolkata & we love our chai.
The process? It’s not rushed.
First, you boil the water, add tea leaves, sugar, ginger, and cardamom. Then, slowly stir in the milk, letting the flavours mix. Chai takes time to develop its perfect taste.
And what’s the result? D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S
Once it’s brewed, you don’t gulp it down right away, do ya? You let it cool a bit. That’s what I mean by letting thoughts simmer.
When I hear something that challenges my beliefs—like hustle culture—I don’t immediately dismiss it. Instead, I let the thought sit for a while.
Try it - What if you let it sit, like chai? What if you allowed it to unfold and show new layers?
Why Simmering Works
Letting something simmer helps you think more clearly.
Clarity. Instead of reacting, you can respond thoughtfully.
Less Stress. Simmering keeps you calm and collected. (And science agrees!)
Open Mind. You start to see things from different angles.
Creativity. You might find new ideas while sipping chai or looking out the window.
Stories from the Simmer Pot
Let’s chat about work-life balance.
When I first started working, I believed in the hustle mantra: “Work hard now, rest later.”
I took on too many projects, worked late, and felt guilty if I wasn’t busy. Rest felt like cheating.
Then a colleague said, “You’re only as good as your energy. What’s the point if you’re too tired to enjoy life?”
My first thought? “Sounds like someone who isn’t ambitious.”
But instead of saying that, I let it simmer.
I thought about it while trying to stay awake in meetings and scrolling LinkedIn at midnight. Eventually, I realized they were right. Hustling wasn’t working for me.
So, I made small changes. I started taking breaks, scheduling weekends off, and saying “no” when I was overwhelmed.
Did I feel guilty at first? Yes.
But soon, I found I was more focused, creative, and successful because I wasn’t running on empty.
I thought to myself:
Why did they say that? What’s their perspective?
What experiences shaped their view?
How has my belief helped me so far?
Could this help me grow?
"Cultivate curiosity, not judgment, and watch your world expand."— Unknown
Why It’s Worth Trying
Letting things simmer has made me more open-minded and curious. It’s brought back that childlike sense of “What if?” that we often lose as adults.
Now, when someone challenges my perspective, I see it as an opportunity. It’s like going on a few dates with an idea. You give it a chance to show you what it’s worth before deciding if it’s a keeper.
So, next time someone says something that rubs you the wrong way, don’t shut it down. Don’t argue back right away. Just… let it simmer.
Keep it on the back burner. Let your mind wander. See what bubbles up. Who knows? That simmering thought might turn into something unexpectedly delicious.
Let it Simmer!
S: Stop reacting right away. Take a deep breath.
I: Investigate their point of view. What might have shaped it?
M: Measure it against your beliefs. How has your belief helped you?
M: Move into curiosity. What if you tried their way?
E: Experiment. Give it a fair shot.
R: Reflect. Did it work? What did you learn?
Reflect & Rewrite
Now, I’d love to know from you:
Take a moment to reflect and write this down in your journal (or comment below or email me privately):
What’s a belief you’ve held for a long time? Where did it come from? Has it served you well?
When was the last time you dismissed someone’s idea without really considering it? How could you handle it differently next time?
What’s one area of your life—work, relationships, or self-care—where you could benefit from letting things simmer?
Write back with your thoughts because I truly want to hear what you think!✨
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