Sit Down, Stay Still, and Don’t You Dare Bring Mayo Near My Burger
Today’s Thought of the Day and Question of the Day combo serves up an odd but perfect pairing: the surprising power of stillness—and the strong opinions we hold about what does and does not belong on our summer cookout classics. If that sounds like a strange mix, well… so is ketchup and mayo. Let’s dive in.
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🪑 Thought of the Day: “Don’t just do something. Sit there.” — Sylvia Boorstein
We live in a world where doing nothing is treated like a problem that needs solving. If you’re not multitasking or side-hustling or replying to emails at stoplights, are you even trying?
But today’s quote flips the script. Don’t just do something. Sit there.
It sounds like advice for a golden retriever, but it’s actually a masterclass in mindfulness. Stillness isn’t laziness—it’s where clarity lives. And if you’re constantly chasing the next thing, you might never hear the voice inside you quietly trying to say, “Hey, maybe this isn’t the thing worth chasing.”
Some of my clearest thoughts have shown up when I stopped trying to force anything. I’ve written better paragraphs while staring out the window than banging away at the keyboard. If you’re curious how this idea ties into memory and reflection, this post about backward-thinking memory hits a similar nerve.
So today, instead of rushing into the next thing, maybe just… pause. Sit there. Be.
🌭 Question of the Day: What are your go-to condiments for your Hot Dog and Hamburger?
Let me be clear up front: mayo is disgusting. I don’t care if you call it aioli, dress it up with garlic, or pretend it’s artisanal. It’s still eggy goo, and I want no part of it.
Hot dogs? Simple. Brown mustard. That’s it. No ketchup. No relish. No “fancy sauce.” Just a proper smear of brown mustard. The kind that bites back.
Burgers? I’ll allow a few more toppings—but I stay basic by choice, not by default. Ketchup, pickles, sometimes cheese and bacon. And if I’m feeling like this burger needs to dress up for a night out? A light touch of A1. Not a pour. Not a puddle. Just enough to whisper, “I’m feeling myself.”
Condiments are surprisingly revealing. Your go-to toppings say a lot about you—your childhood cookouts, your flavor philosophy, your tolerance for chaos. It’s like a personality test in squeeze-bottle form.
If you like this kind of playful reflection, check out What taste do you most associate with Spring. You’d be amazed how deep things can get—right between the buns.
💬 Join the Conversation
What’s your relationship with stillness? Do you know how to sit there—or does your brain treat it like a hostage situation?
And more importantly: what belongs (and definitely doesn’t) on your burger or hot dog?
Drop your answers in the comments—or join the daily email and get a new Thought and Question in your inbox every morning. It’s like a bite-sized therapy session with a side of fries.
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