Life lessons can come from the most unlikely places, once you become open to receiving them. Once you stop compartmentalizing life, there are rich insights to be gained from places you might never previously have given any thought. Like Thai food

1. Youll never get the best out of either by being half-hearted. If you hold back on the chillies and other spices, Thai food wont have much savour. The same is true for life; conviction is the secret ingredient for success.

2. It neednt take long to produce great results. Just as you can produce a great Thai stir-fry in minutes, you can create something fantastic in your life in a short time. The road to achievement doesnt have to be long and slow and hard.

3. You get out what you put in. Youll never make good Thai food with bad ingredients and a bad attitude. Whatever you do, if you dont put care into it, youll never get the best out of it.

4. Neither is meant to be a spectator sport. Theres not a great deal of enjoyment to be gained by sitting on the sidelines. If you hang around while Thai food is being made, you may find yourself coughing and spluttering at the pungent cooking aroma of the chillies and ginger etc. But the flavour

5. Both depend on the same art of making the most of what you have. You could spend your time thinking how much more you could do, if only you had X, Y, or Z, or you can get the maximum enjoyment from what you have right now.

6. You dont have to be rich to enjoy either. After all, Thai street food is just as delicious in its way as a royal banquet.

7. Its your creative vision that makes the difference. You can make as many great things with a few simple ingredients as you choose. Its all down to your imagination and your enthusiasm.

8. Neither need make you fat. You are always in control of your choices.

9. Its never as good if youre just doing it for one. Both taste best when theyre shared.

10. Both are a celebration of everyday ingredients.

(C) 2005 Annie Kaszina