Hello dear reader, how are you?
I know I arrived late to 'The Bear is one of the world's most ingenious series' party, but that doesn't stop me from shouting loudly on the dance floor: YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS! I haven't seen such a beautiful and captivating film in a long time.
I was born into a family of hospitality on my mother's side, and I worked in bars, discotheques, and cafes when I was young. To this day, I love this complex, fast-paced, yet profoundly human profession. People truly excel in this line of work when driven by the sense of calling to feed, quench thirst, and serve others—a noble act.
The series' main character, Lucky Luke, alias Carmen Berzatto, the chef, brings to life the little prince of a dysfunctional Chicago Italian immigrant family with his constantly sad, slightly naive gaze. He exudes both supersexiness and likability. He sets out into the world, conquers it, and returns to save his crumbling family and his deceased brother's memory. To achieve this, after Michelin-starred restaurants, he joins a run-down family sandwich shop, attempting to change the world with varying degrees of success.
Of course, in the end, it becomes clear that if you don't change yourself, your attempts to change the world might be in vain...
Watch it, but be prepared—the first season is particularly stressful, with intense pacing and chaos. However, the second season nicely balances this out. My favorite part is the Copenhagen episode, directed by Ramy Youssef, the creator of the equally excellent show "Ramy."
In the series, they strongly emphasize the hustle culture, but somehow, I can still love the characters and connect with them. It's evident that they work themselves to the bone to suppress their heavy emotions, PTSD symptoms, seeking forgiveness through overwork.
By excluding difficult emotions, our hero naturally pushes away the good things too. But he can only learn this the hard way—through personal experience. At least, we hope he can learn the lesson. I'm rooting for him wholeheartedly, but we'll need the third season to see how it goes.
As a result of the series, I felt like returning to smoking and growing out my hair.
In all the cool restaurants featured in the series, the motto "Every second counts" is displayed on the wall.
As we progress through the plot and watch the characters' personal development with misty eyes, the meaning of the above motto transforms more and more.
In the end, it's clear that we should apply this important rule to all areas of our lives: don't waste your time or anyone else's!
Life is short. If you feel the need to write to someone because you love them and it's difficult to live apart, don't wait for anything—do it immediately. You never know if there'll be a tomorrow. And I'm not saying this to be burdensome, but to remind us to live in the present moment, to do something for ourselves and our loved ones NOW.
Every second counts.
In the spirit of this message I would like to inform you that the last live-online burnout prevention group of this year will start on September 18th, and there are still a few spots available.
Admitting that things can't continue as they are is the most difficult part of burnout or any kind of crisis. Sometimes, we need help to make a change.
There are various forms of help. I can support you through individual and group processes with coaching methods, education, and counseling.
One of the previous participants in my live-online group program not only realized during the process that their workplace situation was untenable but also had the courage to express their requests to management and ultimately quit when they were disregarded.
The whole team supported them, making the difficult moments easier.
If you also want tools, supportive community, and professional help to make a change, learn how to prevent (further) burnout, then register for the upcoming group starting in September.
Details are available on my website, but feel free to write to me, even by replying to this, if you have any questions! Every second counts.
Podcast
Two weeks ago, my wife Dóri debuted in the "Bezzeg a Svédek" podcast. We prepared a follow-up episode where we discuss the 10 things we love and find annoying about Sweden.
Listen to it on your favorite player and let me know how you liked it. Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss together?
Next week, I'll be back with a fresh, crispy, unconventional HAC episode.
Until then, all the best, and let's go watch "The Bear" on Disney+.
All the best,
András