It's said you can have too much of a good thing, but it doesn't seem that way for millions of people when it comes to chicken soup.
Let me qualify that. Actually, what they can't get enough of is a series of inspirational books entitled Chicken Soup for the Soul which, when first published in America several years ago, instantly became bestsellers. They're now a social phenomenon to the extent that several are published every year to feed the public appetite for heartwarming stories designed to make us count our blessing, think positive, overcome challenges, find our purpose, make every day a happy day, turn adversity into opportunity, incorporate gratitude and joy into our life, and turn well-worn cliches into proper English. I made that last one up, but you get the message.
The stories, compiled by motivational speakers Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, are contributed by members of the public who submit their aphoristic observations and experiences via the publishers' website, and though they tend to follow a similar structure, do strike you as genuine. Take, for example, the moving tale of a fiftysomething writer who, though rain water is still running high through the gutters, doesn't know what comes over her but feels compelled to do something a little crazy. So she slips off her shoes and walks barefoot through the water. Although she's sure her neighbours think she's lost her sanity, she doesn't care because in that moment, she is alive. She isn't worried about bills, the future or day-to-day travails. She's experiencing a gift - a pure and simple moment of joy!
The name Chicken Soup for the Soul was chosen because of the use of chicken soup, particularly in the US and Canada, as a home remedy for the sick. Traditionally American chicken soup - a clear broth with chicken, vegetables, rice or noodles - was made with old hens, and now broiler chickens are used, much as they are here. I can testify to their deliciousness in soup.
Just as well, for the idea has now transcended publishing with the annual CSFTS celebration day taking place worldwide on Wednesday.
No buying a tin of chicken soup, though. You have to make it and share it. Along with some of your own inspirational stories, natch.
l Chicken Soup for the Soul Day 2014 is on Wednesday November 12. chickensoup.com
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