For The Love of Pizza

Life is a lot like a pizza—we all start with a base, but how we choose to top it can define our experiences and the flavor of our journey. Each topping serves as a metaphor for the different experiences and challenges we face, illustrating the resilience and adaptability that life often demands of us.

In this blog post, I will explore how pizza toppings represent various aspects of life, share personal anecdotes of overcoming obstacles, and reflect on how pizza has been my constant companion, offering comfort through thick and thin.

The Foundation: A Doughy Beginning

To dive into the metaphorical journey, let's first discuss the foundation. The dough of a pizza represents our core beliefs and values. It’s what holds everything together. A well-kneaded dough symbolizes strong foundations built through life’s early experiences.

When I reflect on my own life, I think of my childhood and the lessons learned from my family. Just like a solid crust, those lessons gave me resilience. I remember my parents cooking together, sharing stories with us of the struggles my Grandparents had as immigrants, and teaching me that the core of happiness is built on love and perseverance.

Every time I make a homemade pizza in my kitchen, or I think back on all those times my Dad made me Wareneki or Kielke, and I eat a Nanaimo Bar <my late husband's favorite>, I am reminded of those essential lessons that have shaped who I am today; but let's get back to talking pizza......

The Toppings: Life's Flavorful Choices

Now, let’s explore the toppings. Picture this: a classic margarita pizza topped with fresh basil, mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes. These ingredients symbolize simplicity and the beauty of the essentials. The ability to find joy in simple moments was something I learned after my late husband's passing, and after my marriage to Sam. For the first time in my life, I stopped restricting food, and I honed my cooking skills, and discovered that even a modest meal made by my hands could nourish my body and my spirit, and those of my family.

An inviting pizza showcasing an array of toppings, presenting a canvas of life's flavors, paired with a few Spicy Margaritas.

Now let's consider the more extravagant toppings—a pepperoni pizza <my favorite pizza of all time> bursting with flavor, symbolizing indulgence and the chaos of life. I often find myself drawn to Brooklyn pepperoni during times of stress, where the spicy, savory slices provide a sense of comfort amidst life's unpredictable challenges.

Reflecting on my own trials, there was a time I faced the unexpected death of my first husband, and this left me devastated. On particularly tough days, it was the simplest act of ordering a pepperoni pizza that lifted my spirits—reminding me that even in difficult and hard times, there was flavor to be found.

Vegetables: Growth and Change

What about veggie toppings? The bell peppers, olives, and spinach represent growth and change. Just like the colors of vegetables enhance a pizza, growth adds vibrancy to our lives. I am particularly resistant to change, and have been most of my life.

It was not long after my late husband's passing, that I faced a significant turning point. It was a departure from the predictable, much like adding unexpected toppings to my usual pizza order. Initially, I felt out of my comfort zone—like ordering a pizza without my favorite toppings.

However, experimenting with new ingredients ultimately opened my eyes to thrilling possibilities. As I learned to adapt, I discovered that embracing change can lead to a more fulfilling, colorful life. The adaptability learned from this transition mirrors how one might embrace experimental toppings on a pizza. Have I mentioned that I hate vegetables on pizza? lol I have come to discover that growth and change can come from just adding bacon or prosciutto to a pizza, minus the pepperoni I love so much, and by changing the typical tomato sauce to a spicy thai chilli sauce.

Cheese: Comfort and Support

Cheese is the glue that binds all the toppings together, much like the support systems we have in our lives. Friends and family provide a unique comfort that encourages us to face challenges head-on.

During a few particularly difficult chapters of my life, I have had friends who would come over, not just to eat pizza, but to share their stories and lend encouragement. It felt like the warm mozzarella stretching across each slice, holding everything together and reminding me that I was never alone in my struggles.

On those nights filled with laughter and cheesy slices, it became clear to me that true comfort is often found in connection. It’s the people who sit around the table with us who help transform life’s challenges into manageable, enjoyable moments. One very hard lesson I have learned since my late husband's passing, is who deserves a seat at my table.

Hot Sauce: Adding a Kick

Sometimes, life throws in a little extra kick, much like a dash of Thai Chilli sauce on a pizza. This spice reflects the daring, unpredictable moments that demand resilience.

I’ve had my share of these spicy encounters—unexpected challenges during my life, where language barriers and cultural differences have felt overwhelming at times. When I decide though to venture off the beaten path, and order myself a pizza with unfamiliar toppings........The result? A flavor explosion! My favorite spicy pizza of all time, is the Royal Hawaiian Pizza, minus the red onion; again I will remind you that I dislike vegetables on my pizza, and this delicously spice of life can be found at a Boston Pizza near you.

These journeys have taught me about stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing the unknown, and being open to change. The spicy sauce on a pizza represents the bold decisions we must make, reminding us that risks often lead to the most fulfilling experiences.

Conclusion: A Slice of Resilience

In the grand dough of life, pizza offers us a profound metaphor for resilience and adaptability. Each topping represents the array of experiences we encounter—some sweet, some spicy, but all integral to our unique stories, and it all starts with a good foundation of dough; the glue that holds everything together.

As I navigate through life, I realize that every pizza I've savored has mirrored my journey. Whether celebrating successes with a fresh margarita or seeking solace in a pepperoni slice during tough times, venturing to try the Royal Hawaiian....... pizza has and will continue to remain a comforting companion.

So the next time you find yourself faced with an obstacle, consider creating your own pizza masterpiece. Embrace both the delicious and challenging toppings of your life, and remember that with resilience and adaptability, you can always create something wonderful, one slice at a time; and should you burn that pizza to a crisp, like I have so many times, you can always make yourself a new one. <3

My life may not always be perfect, but with pizza by my side, I can tackle any challenge that comes my way, and so can you!