The Dragonfruit Philosophy

Growing up, dragonfruit was always a good sign. It was that special treat that my mother seemed to pair with a windfall of cash or healthy foot traffic to the family business. It was one of her greatest joys to select the best that a fruit stand had to offer and then drive around town to share with extended family. 

Even when the family business failed and we had to close up shop, my mother was never bitter or regretful. She said she was grateful she took a swing at the American Dream and that her children were able to see the grit required to be your own boss. The timing wasn't quite right and hard work wasn't enough, but her voice always radiated positivity.

At the time, I carried enough disappointment for the two of us and was fiercely opposed to falling into the Dream trap. I was set on pinning down a career that would value precision and promise security as its reward. The job I chose was not sexy. My line of work has a reputation of being by-the-book and uptight, so no one goes into it with a fiery passion. And that felt like a safe bet to me. But after years of burnout, I realized that my approach was lacking the abundance of my mother's disposition.

Whereas she could spend her time peering out the bay window and appreciating the flowers, I was more likely to be scrubbing away at the glass to clean off the pollen.

There was a lot that my mom got right. Like reminding me to take more breaks. Or to quit a job when the stress leads to stark before and after pictures of myself.

Now, although I am old enough to know that my mom only goes on a dragonfruit spree when there is a massive sale, I see it for what it is now. A reminder that you shouldn't have to wait for a windfall or conventional success to celebrate, because frankly, success may never come. So instead of constantly delaying our happiness, there is something to be said for checking up on loved ones and giving them a physical reminder to eat.