Hello Biggie!

When we say “Big fish”, people are usually quick to picture a fish that about two people are struggling to carry.
…but does “Big” always have to be about the physical size?

Let’s take a look at smoked/dried Panla fish (Atlantic cod/ Gadus morhua). It has a way of not just making stew flavourful, but also peppery when added. Nepo baby no go fit relate.

Smoked/dried Panla fish is not physically “big” but the doings? Big big things “ni mo” (is what I) do! This is due to its rich, savory and umami flavour profile and texture, that intensifies when dried or smoked.

“Some people attribute the peppery effect to the fish’s ability to absorb and concentrate the flavours of the spices and peppers used in the stew, while others believe it’s due to the fish’s inherent properties.”
…but what do I attribute the peppery effect to? I attribute it to the “Big” uniqueness coming to life after going through a phase.

Just adding normal fresh Panla fish to your stew isn’t really different from the effects other fishes would make — I don’t even like it boiled. The uniqueness of Panla fish is only revealed when it’s smoked or dried — this I’ll call processing. What processing are you also going through at the moment? It probably looks like the smoke from the fire of challenges would make you pass out. Or you’ve gotten so dry in all aspect that you feel you can never recover. A Big processing that might carve out a “Big” in you!

So, I ask again: Does “Big” always have to be about the physical size? No, my darling. Big sometimes is on the inside. The evil some people have in them is enough to drown a whole country. The joy some people have in them is enough to influence a whole state. It’s in your hands what you do with the “Big” in you.

What if that processing is meant to make you better? What lessons are you learning from the processing? Or you’re just letting the pain waste?

Smoked/Dried Panla fish don’t just enter stew or soup, without leaving an effect. After going through that phase, what happens when you step into a room? What does your presence bring? Pepper too much to kill those who come across you? Pepper spicy enough to make those who come across you happy? Flavour that’ll make whoever come across you grow to be a testament of joy?

What would that phase turn you to? Someone armed for vengeance on anyone that comes close? An “I didn’t get it easy, nobody would get it easy” type of person? Or an “I know what it is to go through the draining phase, I’ll make sure nobody goes through such damaging phase under my watch” kind of person?

Most people who go through challenges end up with a “Big” in them. I said “most people” because some people end up with an “emptiness” in them. So, it’s either your challenges build a “Big” in you or an “Emptiness” in you. Our focus here is the “Big”. So, I’ll leave you with this; What type of “Big” are you?

Till I’m back to stir the drink, stay gbam!