Have you ever heard of Wish Pork?

Wish pork is the itty bitty piece of mushy bacon in a can of pork and beans. There’s not much of it, and as a kid we believed we were lucky if we got the Wish Pork. Right, Darlene?

I don’t remember why exactly — were we supposed to make a wish when we ate it?

I think it was just my dad’s way of making sure we “wanted” beans. I still beam with pride when I get the Wish Pork and I’ve passed the tradition on to my kids.

Thinking back to my growing up years, I remember lots of encouragement to go toward the things we wanted. To find the things we cared about, even when reality didn’t meet expectations.

As the new season and school year gets closer, it’s easy to get caught up in fear and uncertainty. Jobs look different. Back-to-school is unlike any other year. Normal seasonal changes bring with them increased anxiety.

While I take deep breaths with my eyes closed, I’m reminded to look for my Wish Pork.

What is it that I’ve been wanting?

How can I take advantage of the current climate to make my long-term dreams come true?

How can I look past all of the things I’ve been clinging to (because they’re safe and easy) and go toward the things I really want?

As you dig through your can of beans, what is your Wish Pork?

~ Andrea

PS - Dad, I still don’t like beans.