I know. WEIRD!
This came to me this morning as I was walking, and yes it's a weird analogy, but I think it is one that could work for everyone.
Let me know what you think.
So life is a sponge cake and you are the sponge, and the sponge makes up 95% of the cake.
You are the result of a unique mix of ingredients, some of which you can't change but many which you can through your choices and decisions.
As a baby you are what you are, and as a child you are moulded and shaped by your relationships and experiences. But once you are old enough to start making your own decisions 'you' are responsible for what and who you become.
You are also responsible for who you allow into your life and the actions you take to keep them there or to let them go; not always easy decisions, but yours to make.
As adults we probably make millions of decisions about relationships, jobs, holidays, and all the day to day things that happen to us and because of us.
A better job is never more important than a happy marriage, and having nice things is pointless if you have no-one to share them with.
It's your cake - choose the right ingredients.
On top of the cake is the icing.
I think that these are the people in your life, and if you choose well they really are the 'icing on your cake'.
The icing is only 4% of your cake - but what an important 4%! Your family and friends are so important to your wellbeing and this tiny percentage can make for a happy life or an unhappy life. Its your choice who you allow to share your life, who you choose to make part of your family, who you allow to stay; some people only choose a few ingredients for their icing and others choose many. The number is not important its the quality that counts, and the people will change over time, although I would argue that the ones there for the long haul, whenever they join your journey, should be the ones that you really want to be there; who are supportive, stay through the lows as well as sharing the highs, are non judgemental and value you as much as you value them.
Be careful who you allow in your icing, and make sure that you nurture the relationships you value. You don't want your icing to crack!
The final part of your cake is the decoration. I think that many people overvalue this final 1% and allow it to become 'all important' in their cake.
It is made up of transient things: jobs, holidays, clothes, nights out, your team winning, gifts, some people, food, possessions, a new house, jewellery etc.
Don't get me wrong, these things are still important and definitely contribute to your overall and day-to-day happiness, but they don't last and are constantly changing. Your decoration changes with the seasons - your sponge cake will become a birthday cake, an Easter cake, a Christmas cake - but under the decorations your cake and icing don't change, so if your cake has sunk in the middle or you have bad icing your decorations will not make you a happy person.
So there we go, your life is a sponge cake. Look after yourself and make the best choices you can and make changes if you are unhappy. Nurture the relationships that you value and appreciate, and apply decorations liberally whenever you can.
I told you it was weird x
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