Editor’s note: This is the most recent installment of our new blog. We will be asking for insights from people from across the community who have something to say about their experiences, the ongoing state of affairs, or their lives that will speak to our current time together. Today we hear from Peecoon Allen. If you would like to contribute please let us know. — Kathy Jennings, Managing Editor, Southwest Michigan's Second Wave

When I opened Umami Ramen it was for the love of food and people. To set an example, to encourage people to come together from all walks of life to share a meal together. 

Through food we all can connect. 

Through food we can learn to laugh with each other again. 

Through food we can heal. Through food we can learn to connect a community for love and support. 

There are many things that are out of our control, we can let life happen to us or we can decide for ourselves to handle life as it comes. Life is already hard and you have to work hard at it by staying positive. To stay positive takes work, making a conscious effort to smile and laugh takes mindful effort until it becomes normal. 

Life will not obey us by us simply wanting it to, it takes work to be happy and content. 

Life does not owe us anything. We have to be accountable for our own happiness by being accountable for our own decisions. Letting go of the past hurts and disappointments will actually make room for your future because they can’t co-exist. The past is only there to teach us lessons on how to overcome struggles, failures, and disappointments. Learn those lessons and they won’t be repeated, but be aware there are new lessons to learn just around the corner.

Decide who you are, not the person you want to be, and start from there. 

Through food we can learn to connect a community for love and support, says Peecoon AllenBe your own temple where good things live inside your heart. Taking care of your own thoughts is truly taking care of you. Speak truth in your day and be gentle on yourself but remain truthful with the outcome of your decisions.

Fill your mind with information that’s going to make you strong during the hard times. Enjoy the good times to the fullest, appreciate and be thankful for it, so that it will repeat itself.

Pay attention to your thoughts and make them your best friend. No one is closer to you than your thoughts; not your spouse, not your parents, not your teachers, not your friends or your enemies. You’re your closest friend, that’s the person who is going to change your life. 

Individualism has made us wary of each other. We lack trust and empathy for one another. We’re obsessed with our own existence so we become bored and empty.

We have to care about something other than ourselves. We have to stand up for what’s right, not stay on the sideline. We have to make our lives worthy of our existence and experience the love of all that we already have. Clean water, plenty of food, blue skies, green grass. 

Life goes on with or without us in it, so chose to be in it. Have respect and a good relationship with death because you haven’t lived your best life yet.

Peecoon Allen is the owner of Umami Ramen in Battle Creek.