Are You in a Pickle?

The expression "in a pickle" has come to mean being in a difficult situation.

Although there are several explanations concerning the origin of this phrase, the one that works for me is the idea of "pickling" or preserving food. In essence, when a food is "pickled" the normal progression of its life is stopped-- or preserved.

Therefore, being "in a pickle" means to be trapped in a situation.

Yes, pickling is good for food because it extends its shelf life, but it's very bad when you are writing your life story.

To halt, stop, preserve, or maintain the status quo in your life means that you are not moving forward. Or backwards. Or even sideways.

Sad.

So, what's the fix?

Focus on life...and movement...and growth.

You know that face you make when you bite into a sour pickle? Well, keep that in mind. That's how your life story looks when you are "in a pickle."

And from now on, whenever you see a pickle, remember they have their place in the food chain, but pickling is not part of your life story.