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Greetings from Parkwood Studios in the hills of West Virginia-
Have you eaten your first fresh strawberry of the season? Recently, I enjoyed my first. So good. So flavorful.
And also inspiring? Believe it or not–yes. Eating a strawberry sparked an epiphany, which I’ll share in a moment.
Are you someone who prides yourself on knowledge? Do you like knowing things? Most do. It’s how we’re formed, how we’re wired.
Over the past couple years, I have embraced a slightly different perspective. Some call it the beginner’s mindset. It’s being okay with not knowing it all. More than that, it’s being excited over the realization there’s so much more to learn. For me this brings a wonderful mix of joy, wonder and curiosity.
We also have a new podcast for you – a new special delivery of wisdom. My guest is the co-founder of my favorite place to getaway for rest and relaxation: Lafayette Flats in Fayetteville, West Virginia.
Grab a strawberry or two. Refill your coffee mug. And let’s go!
Exploring the Entrepreneurial Vision and Journey of Amy McLaughlin
What happens when you mix stone masonry, retail management, and a passion for local art? You get Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals, a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury in Fayetteville, West Virginia.
Tune in as we celebrate a decade of success with co-founder Amy McLaughlin, who reveals the incredible transformation of a 120-year-old building into a vibrant contemporary lodging destination.
Hear about the vision, meticulous planning, and execution that turned this dream into a reality, and get a firsthand look at the unique appeal of the surrounding New River Gorge National Park.
Discover how she and husband Shawn Means navigated the challenges of the national park designation, focusing on sustainable tourism to ensure their venture remains a cornerstone of the community.
This episode is brimming with insights for aspiring hospitality entrepreneurs and anyone enchanted by the natural beauty and culture of West Virginia. It will make you crave a visit to experience LaFayette Flats.
You will hear it all when you press ‘Play’ on your favorite podcast player.
Strawberry Fields Forever: A Curiosity-Induced Epiphany
Strawberry season is upon us. Do you remember your first taste of a fresh strawberry? Sweet, juicy, with just the slightest hint of tartness. Rough outer layer adorned with tiny seeds, and a soft, meaty interior that’s oh-so-chewy. It’s like a kiss from summer itself.
We all know how to eat a strawberry. Or do we? Let’s take a step back and really savor this experience. There’s a lesson here, hiding in plain sight.
How to Eat a Strawberry
First, remove it from its plastic carton. Let’s face it: most of the strawberries we urban dwellers indulge in come from a grocery store or market. Give it a good rinse. Strawberries are often on the list of the top ten most pesticide-laden fruits. Wash away those toxins.
Pluck off the green leaves. Into the recycle bin or disposal they go. With a paring knife, trim away any unsightly edges until your strawberry is a perfect, ruby-red gem.
Bite into the strawberry. Use those incisors to take a hearty half. Savor the juicy goodness, the burst of sweetness. Count to “one Mississippi,” and the tartness follows. Chew slowly, appreciating the soft, meaty texture. Let your tongue explore every flavor note before you swallow.
Repeat until all the strawberries are gone.
That’s how we eat a strawberry.
But did you notice anything peculiar about this process? Have you ever questioned the way we eat strawberries? I hadn’t—until one fateful morning.
A Morning of Curiosity
One morning last week, something unusual happened. I was standing over the sink, about to discard the green leaves of yet another strawberry. Suddenly, I paused. For the first time, I really looked at those discarded leaves. Tiny, deep-green, and plentiful.
Strawberry leaves. Always plucked, always tossed. Over my lifetime, I had probably thrown away thousands. But what if those leaves were valuable? What if they were the most nutritious part of the strawberry?
My curiosity was piqued. I grabbed my phone and quickly typed into my trusty Perplexity.ai app: “Do strawberry leaves have nutritional value?”
Turns out, they do. In fact, strawberry leaves are more than just edible; they’re a treasure trove of health benefits.
Nutritional Gold
According to Registered Dietician Kim Chin in an article from Greatist.com, “Strawberry leaves aren’t merely edible; they’re packed with a bunch of feel-good body benefits.”
Other findings from the panoply of research sources presented by the Perplexity AI engine:
- These leaves are rich in vitamins C, A, and K, and contain essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium.
- They boast a wealth of antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds such as tannins and ellagic acid, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential to reduce heart disease risk.
- Moreover, they may help regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for diabetics, and their fiber content aids digestion and prevents constipation.
- Traditionally, strawberry leaves have been used in natural medicine to treat various ailments like digestive problems, arthritis and joint pain.
And here’s a fun fact: they have a mild, slightly tangy flavor, making them a delightful addition to salads or a base for a soothing tea. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly.
A Lesson in Curiosity
So, what’s the takeaway from my morning of curiosity? By slowing down and allowing myself to question a simple, everyday habit, I discovered that I don’t know everything. Before that day, I thought I knew all there was to know about eating a strawberry. Clearly, I didn’t.
When I let curiosity take the wheel, I learned something new and valuable. It made me realize how often we glide through life on autopilot, missing out on potential discoveries. What if we questioned our routines more often? What if we sought the extraordinary in the ordinary?
Curiosity can transform the mundane into something magical. It can lead to small but meaningful changes, like incorporating strawberry leaves into your diet. Who’s ready for a strawberry leaf side salad?
Too soon? Okay, how about a steaming mug of strawberry leaf tea?
Next time you eat a strawberry, take a moment. Look at it with fresh eyes. You might just uncover a hidden gem. After all, life is full of delicious surprises, if we only take the time to seek them out.
It’s okay not to know it all. In fact, when you view yourself as a work in progress … when you think about all the learning and discovery still awaiting you, it brings a sense of joy. It makes way for wonder. We are students of life, for a lifetime.
Stay curious, friends.
Word of the Week: Penultimate
It seems there have been quite a few ‘next to lasts’ recently. The next-to-last day of school. The next-to-last day of our vacation trip. What was yours?
Penultimate – adjective
- Next to the last;
- Of or relating to a penult or the next to the last syllable in a word.
Origin: 1530-40; Latin “paenultima”
Example – This is not the penultimate section of this newsletter.
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“The Whole Thing with Amy McLaughlin” will be published for our patrons this weekend. It offers an additional 15 minutes of the wisdom conversation with this unique, wise guest, not found in the free “Main Thing Episode 110.” Packing extra wisdom, you’ll get 36 minutes of stories, laughter and side-trails. Hear more about the construction renovation project, plus more about the wonders of the the New River Gorge National Park.
Unlock it the moment you become a patron of the podcast. You will also instantly gain access to all prior bonus content–two years worth of wisdom.
Join for a one-month free trial period to “test the waters.” Click here to learn more about becoming a patron of the podcast.
One Last Thing …
I’ve begun work on a wisdom workbook. It will offer the opportunity for self-study, reflection and deeper learning in areas such as Being Present, Relationships, Resilience and Adaptability. Each chapter will invite you to listen or re-visit three or four relevant episodes from our podcast archive.
