Just Eat The Whole Cookie!

Several years ago I attended a retreat -- not the spa kind of retreat where body, mind and spirit are pampered in the poshness of a world class resort; but a work related retreat deep in the woods of Robert, Louisiana. The retreat center has no televisions, radios or telephones and cell phone reception is almost nonexistent. However, there is one perk; every afternoon at two o’clock there are fresh baked cookies.


Monday afternoon the kitchen staff placed a tray of chocolate chip cookies in the refreshment area. As the afternoon passed, the number of cookies on the tray dwindled. Several people, not wanting to take a whole cookie, broke off a piece of a cookie and left the remaining portion on the tray. Breaking cookies seemed like a reasonable thing to do if you didn’t want to eat a whole cookie.

During the closing session on Monday, the facilitator asked if there were any questions, comments or concerns. Bud Snowden, of the Greater Baton Rogue affiliate, was frustrated as he addressed the group. His question: “Who is breaking the cookies?”

There was a lot of eye cutting and shoulder shrugging but no one owned up to being a cookie breaker. Thinking that Bud’s frustration was germ related, a couple of people asked if it would be more acceptable if the broken cookies were placed on a napkin and put to the side instead of putting it back on the tray. Obviously frustrated, Bud’s answer was an unquestionable, “No.” Someone then asked: “Bud, what would you have the people breaking the cookies do?” Bud’s answer was awesome and was truly the only possible answer – “Just eat the whole cookie!”

I later asked Bud why eating the whole cookie was so important. Again, Bud’s response was insightful and the only possible answer – “Enjoy the cookie.” Bud’s philosophy on cookie eating is a lesson in living. Life is there for us to live to the fullest and to enjoy the pleasures that are ours to claim. Yet, so many times we fail to embrace what is right in front of us. The next time you have the opportunity – eat the whole cookie and remember, “Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that makes you smile.”

Original 4/24/08 Judith Bell 10/15/10
*Quote attributed to Mark Twain

Copyright © 2010 Judith Bell