I savor those moments when life feels simple and sweet. But I’m also a realist—prepared for the times when things can shake up at any moment, and the shrimp tails might fly off the sandwich. To me, quality of life isn’t about perfection. It’s about knowing myself well enough to be kind to myself when life starts to fall apart.
I used to have a mental troubleshooting checklist I’d use to beat myself up whenever something went wrong. Not anymore. Now it’s about adjusting, adapting, and—when necessary—picking up the ingredients from the floor.
When the Shrimp Sandwich Falls Apart
Sure, there are times when I completely lose control. Everything crashes to the floor, the mayo sticks to my feet, and the egg yolk works its way into the carpet fibers. In those moments, it feels like I’m standing at the edge of a bottomless sea of chaos. But usually, all I need is a reminder: the floor is still there. I can pick up the pieces and start again.
Life’s Lemon Slices
Sometimes, I actually glide through life on a perfect shrimp sandwich. It’s wonderful—until something comes out of nowhere and hits me. Not an acute crisis, but maybe something old that finally catches up to me. Maybe it’s missing people I’ve loved, or maybe it’s just life’s lemon juice stinging my eyes.
Those emotional moments are beautiful. They remind me of the love I’ve felt, the losses I’ve survived, and the strength I’ve found within myself. And you know what? I never need to apologize for them.
Your Own Shrimp Sandwich
Life is a shrimp sandwich. Sometimes the mayo gets stuck in the wrong place, sometimes the bread is moldy, and sometimes the lemon juice stings. But here’s the thing—you’re the chef here. You get to design and create your own special sandwich.
Have a brilliant day!
Ulf Lidman
