The need to conform saps our creativity. Labels limit us. Who said a cocktail has to be in a glass?

The other day, Stephanie, our resident cocktail expert, reached out to me with a note and a link. “Only in LA…,” she said. At first, I thought I’d be making fun of some fu-fu, pretentious Los Angeles fad, and I still might at some point. I was all prepped to slay whatever silly trend Steph was sharing.

Instead, the link was to an article highlighting a Los Angeles restaurant now serving a $22 bone broth scotch cocktail. I’ve written about the tremendous health benefits of bone broth, and I’ve mused about the indulgent decadence of scotch. As I thought through each independently, I never imagined the seemingly mismatched couple in a harmonious relationship, sharing space in the same bowl. Somebody else did, and I dig the concept.

I’m bullish in particular because the creator is doing something we respect around here. He’s challenging assumptions. From bartender Aaron Melendrez:

I’m just trying to change people’s perceptions about what a cocktail possibly could be.

When I read Melendrez’s comments, I became intrigued. Folks operating without boundaries and labels inspire me.

I’m fascinated by the labeling theory in general. From wikipedia.com:

Labeling theory is the theory of how the self-identity and behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them. It is associated with the concepts of self-fulfilling prophecy and stereotyping.

Melendrez is branching out, rejecting the limits that we’ve artificially placed on the word “cocktail.” As I type, I’m using the seat of an exercise bike as a platform for my laptop. It’s my desk today; yesterday it was a seat to train for someone else.

These labels often are the starting point for failures in our lives. We identify ourselves as “fat” or “weak” or “lazy.” They become immutable characteristics of who we are, things that can’t be altered or improved. We stagnate and stop improving because of the limitations we impose on ourselves.

By continually mining for the answer to the question why, being resourceful, and thinking laterally, we can come up with creative solutions to the challenges we face, whether how to work efficiently, change our lifestyles, or figure out what to drink tonight.

Strong Mind,

Kap