Why a Danish pastry isn’t really Danish
I was traveling through Scandinavia when I learned something that stopped me mid-bite.
The Danish pastry is not Danish.
In Denmark, they do not call it that.
They call it wienerbrød.
Vienna bread.
I asked about it, the way you do when you are somewhere new and everything is slightly unfamiliar.
And I got a story I have not stopped thinking about since.
As the story goes, Danish bakery workers went on strike sometime in the 1800s.
They wanted better pay.
They wanted to be treated like people instead of hands attached to an oven.
So they walked out.
But a city still needs bread.
So the shop owners did what shop owners do.
They brought in workers from somewhere else.
Bakers came from Austria.
And those Austrian bakers did not know how the Danes did things.
They only knew how they did things.
So they made what they had always made.
Dough with butter folded into it.
Folded again.
Folded again.
Layer on layer on layer, until it baked into something so light it shatters when you bite it.
The Danes had never seen anything like it.
Eventually the strike ended.
The Danish bakers came back to their ovens.
The Austrians packed up and went home.
But the pastry stayed.
The Danish bakers kept making it.
They adjusted it.
They added more butter, more egg, made it richer and sweeter and entirely their own.
And then they sent it out into the world.
Where everyone who ate it called it a Danish.
Because that is where it came from, as far as anyone could tell.
Now it sits in a glass case in every coffee shop on earth.
Nobody asks.
Nobody stands at the counter and wonders why a pastry born from a labor dispute in one country, using a technique from another, ended up carrying the name of neither one accurately.
It is just a Danish.
It has always been a Danish.
That is what it is called.
Except in Denmark.
Where they have been calling it Vienna bread this whole time, correctly, while the rest of us got it wrong for a hundred and fifty years.
I stood there thinking about that far longer than a pastry deserves.
Because how many things do I do exactly that with?
Here is what I keep coming back to.
Most of the labels in my life were not decisions.
They were assumptions I absorbed and never revisited.
The story I told about my marriage.
The story I told about why I burned out.
The story I told about what a woman in her sixties, and then her seventies, is supposed to want out of her remaining years.
I did not sit down one afternoon and choose those.
They were handed to me.
By family.
By the era I grew up in.
By a hundred small comments from people who meant no harm and did not know they were writing on me.
And I carried them.
For decades I carried a label that said this is who you are, this is what you do, this is what is available to you.
I never once turned it over to see if it was accurate.
Which is the strange part, when I think about it now.
I was a broker.
I was a general contractor.
I spent my working life reading contracts line by line, checking the fine print, catching the thing everyone else missed.
I checked everything.
Except the things I had been told about myself.
I think we stop checking because checking is uncomfortable.
A label is efficient.
It saves you from having to think.
If I know what something is, I do not have to look at it.
I can just reach for it and move on with my day.
That works beautifully for pastries.
It works terribly for lives.
Because the labels do not update themselves.
They get set young, usually by someone else, and then they sit there quietly running your decisions for forty years while you assume they are just facts.
I am too old to start over.
I am not the kind of person who travels alone.
This is what my life looks like now.
None of those were true.
Every single one of them felt like a fact.
I was in my sixties when everything came apart.
The marriage ended.
The business closed.
I was tired in a way that sleep did not fix.
And I remember thinking, well, that is that.
That was the label I reached for.
The one that says a woman my age whose life has just fallen apart is finished, and the rest is just waiting.
I held that one for a while.
Then, slowly, I turned it over.
And I could not find a single piece of evidence for it.
Not one.
It was not a fact.
It was just something I had been handed and never questioned.
So I put it down.
What came after was six books.
A running career that put me in the national top ten at sixty five.
More countries than I can list.
A version of myself I would not have believed was possible at fifty.
None of that was hiding somewhere far away.
It was all sitting right there, underneath a name that was never accurate.
Keeping an open mind is not a personality trait.
Some people talk about it like it is a temperament, something you either have or you do not.
It is not.
It is a practice.
It is the willingness to pick up something you have held a hundred times and ask, honestly, is this what I think it is?
You do not have to do it with everything at once.
Start small.
Pick one thing you have been saying about yourself for years.
Something that comes out automatically, the way a hand reaches for a cup.
I am not creative.
I am bad with money.
I have never been the adventurous one.
Now find the evidence.
Not the feeling.
The evidence.
Where did that sentence come from.
Who said it first.
How old were you.
Is it still true, or was it only ever true once, in a specific year, in a situation that no longer exists?
Sometimes you will check and the answer will be yes.
That one holds up.
Good.
Now you know it on purpose instead of by accident.
And sometimes you will discover you have been calling something by the wrong name your entire life.
Here is my actual suggestion, and it is a small one.
Tomorrow morning, when the coffee is poured and the pastry is on the plate, take one extra second before the first bite.
You are holding a hundred and fifty year old accident.
A strike.
A group of stand-in bakers who did not know the local rules.
A recipe that outlived every person involved and traveled the world under someone else’s name.
All of that, sitting on a napkin next to your cup, at seven in the morning, on an ordinary day.
That is what ordinary days are made of.
Small things with whole histories folded inside them, waiting for somebody to look a little closer.
This is the thing I most want people to understand about happiness.
It is not somewhere else.
It is not on the other side of the next big change.
It is in the ordinary morning, in the ordinary cup, in the ordinary pastry that turns out to have a story in it if you bother to ask.
You just have to be willing to look at what you are actually holding.
So let me ask you this.
What is one thing you have been calling by the same name your whole life, that you have never once gone back and checked?
I’d love to read your answer below.
These words came to me in my quiet time recently. Even though I have made huge strides since my days as a spiritually-starved workaholic, I was reminded to be even more intentional in the daily actions I choose.
Perhaps you are at the same crossroad in your life—busy “doing” and not “being.”
May these gentle suggestions remind you of changes you could make to live a life of more peace and harmony versus a life that leads you by checking off your “should” do list.
These are but a few examples of how we can be more mindful and intentional as we create our lives. It is your life; you get to choose what you wish to create. The best way to do that is to LIVE your life, not let it LEAD you!
Everyone experiences change—all types of change. Some changes are considered “bad” while others are “unfortunate.”
One thing is certain—change does change us. It shapes us into something else, hopefully a better person, even if it takes a while.
Often people experience traumatic, life-changing events that might seem like tremendous obstacles or even unfathomable, only to later claim it was the best thing in their life!
How can this be so? It’s because that traumatic event changed them.
It resulted in a profound learning experience, and they were changed, not just physically or financially, but at the soul level!
They learned to live in deep gratitude for the life they are fortunate to live. They learned they are not their body and refuse to set limitations upon themselves. They learn they are stronger than they ever imagined.
I believe change is not here to hurt us or haunt us, but rather to help us. It helps us grow in ways that we couldn’t even imagine. It shapes us into the person we were meant to be.
Think of change as God, the Universe, or your version of a higher power, giving you a nudge. A nudge we’d be reluctant to take on our own, but a necessary step in our growth.
Next time you encounter change—whether it’s a small irritant such as a change in your appointment schedule or a life-changing, serious event, ask yourself these questions:
-What am I to learn from this event?
-Why am I being taught this lesson now?
-How can I use this experience to grow into a better person?
You’ll discover those answers and more if you are open to the change you encounter.
Learning to accept change and grow from such experiences leads to “going with the flow.”
You learn to be more trusting of the process of your own human development, divinely led. You stop second-guessing why this happened and “what did I do wrong to deserve this?” Instead, you embrace the challenge, much like a child being advanced to the next grade.
With your new-found ability to go with the flow comes a sense of peace that many do not achieve until their later years.
To me, this peace seems to stabilize your soul. Worry is a distant memory. Life is more joyous. You learn to embrace change and even welcome it. Your fears about upsetting your apple cart of daily existence seem to fade away.
You have learned the lesson, my dears. Change is merely a doorway to advancement, a bumpy and sometimes tumultuous path, but one well worth traveling.
In November of 2025 I ventured on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to India to see the Taj Mahal. While that was a magnificent experience in itself, what I did not imagine was how visiting Gandhi Smriti would impact me so profoundly.
This solemn retreat hidden away in the bustling city of New Delhi was quiet, insightful, and peaceful in it’s own way. You see, this is not only the place where Gandhi spent his last 144 days on Earth, but also the place where he was assassinated. Visitors can view his humble abode, his meditation chair, the beautiful garden, and the martyr’s column denoting the place where he died. His footsteps in concrete show the path from his dwelling/office towards his meditation chair across the garden where he was interrupted by his assassin.
In a lighter note, there is a long exterior walkway with many photos and explanations about him. It explains how he grew up in India, went away to college in England where he studied to be a barrister (an English version of a lawyer) and why he traveled to South Africa. His struggles in South Africa resulted in freedom from the British Monarchy. This momentous task is more than most people are capable in an entire lifetime. But for Gandhi, it merely set the stage for his role in securing the same freedom for his homeland, India.
The man epitomized the word: Satyagraha, which means “a policy of passive political resistance especially that advocated by Mahatma Gandhi against British rule in India.” (Quote from the New Oxford American Dictionary.)
After becoming acquainted with the history surrounding Gandhi and his accomplishments, I was eager to have a “soul connection” with him. Herewith is our conversation.
Janie J: Gandhi, you lived an exemplary life! I was in awe and admiration when I learned about you on my visit to India. Please tell me what you feel was your greatest accomplishment.
Gandhi: At the time, I didn’t think my accomplishments were many or so significant. I was only trying to solve the next issue in my journey. It is only now as I look back and notice how all those little steps I took resulted in big accomplishments.
I hope that I left mankind with the sense that one person can indeed make a difference in the lives of others and leave a mark on humanity.
I didn’t realize it at first, but then it became an obsession with me to fix (or at least bring attention to) the unfairness and unethical treatment of some peoples. This was not right! I found it to be indignant! It infuriated me so, but I learned to keep myself calm so my words and actions would be taken seriously for I knew that sudden outbursts and yelling would only draw negative attention to me and my efforts. I think I exemplified to others the purpose and power of calm negotiation.
My greatest accomplishment then, I feel, was to show all humans are equal or should be treated as such, using calm methods versus loud outbursts. Peaceful learning and peaceful co-existence is what I’d call it. Learning we are all equal, accepting it and acting accordingly, all without violence and mayhem.
All my best to you on your journey. Namaste.
Mahatma Gandhi, the great leader of men, setting the example of kindness, compassion, and equality through non-destructive means.
If you enjoyed this article, please follow me on Medium.com. My mission is to help raise the consciousness of mankind, one soul at a time.
We are all created for greatness; however, at times we think we cannot do great things. So, I invite you to do a small thing instead but do it with great care and detail. Then choose a more difficult thing to accomplish and do it with great care.
Think of it as expanding or growing your “greatness” muscle. With each new challenge, this muscle grows. You gain confidence.
Eventually, you will realizes you are created for greatness! This is something we are all meant to discover during our lifetime.
Every time I go to Europe, I learn lessons to take back home to the United States. These are good refreshers of the things I have learned about life from the Europeans that I wish to incorporate into my everyday life. Let me share a few of these observances with you.
Savor the moment, whether it is an outstanding view of the Swiss Alps from an elevated vantage point, the intricate details of the church’s stain glass windows or memorable façade, the succulent dessert that seems to melt in your mouth, or the pace of life where each moment is savored.
Yes, each moment is worth savoring! Somehow, we Americans tend to forget such blessings once we enter into our everyday hectic lives.
Sit and ponder. Think about what life used to be like and how life has changed. This is especially interesting when in Europe where the history is deep, and the buildings remind you of times of the past.
Not so much in the USA, but we can still ponder. We can think about what we really want in life, the types of relationships, places we want to visit, and what our dream job might be. You can use your mind to go to a different place just by wondering.
Instead, we often worry about where we will go next. We are too busy checking Instagram or Facebook that we cannot relax. We don’t take the time to soak in the moment and enjoy the afternoon tea or talking with a new friend. We rush through the museums or amusement parks, with a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out.)
Europeans don’t live like that! They are never in a hurry to get their bill at the coffee shop or restaurant. Enjoying a meal is a treat to be savored. The connection with others is treasured. There is no hurry to end the conversation to go to the next thing on a to-do list.
They make provisions for bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, trams, buses, and automobiles. There are plenty of ramps for the elderly or disabled so they too can take part in the community aspect of a town or even a large city. There is a sense of inclusion. Everyone is accommodated at their own pace.
Restaurants and cafes are prolific! These little escapades are constant reminders to slow down and enjoy life. No drive-throughs and hurry up and eat in your car before heading back to the office or your next errand.
Flowers and trees are everywhere! They border the streetside cafes, delineating the separation from the adjoining café. They provide the ambiance of being outside in a garden even though the noisy traffic is just feet away. They use every opportunity to create memorable spaces so as to savor the moments.
With tables outside, it provides an easy way to get your daily sunshine, which many Americans seem to avoid or don’t have time for. Due to the density of structures and buildings, it forces people to walk, and walking is so good for us – physically and mentally.
This is something Americans tend to forget unless of course they are on a treadmill. It is much better and easier to incorporate these lifestyle changes into your life instead of changing things all together. This is an easy way to make improvements to your everyday life.
Learn to enjoy the coffee/tea break with a colleague. Enjoy the walk to the bistro if possible. Sit outside and hear the birds and smell the fragrances of the flowers. Cut your server some slack and try not to be in a rush.
Remember we are all people, trying to get by the best we can. Maybe the best we can do is to savor the moment and learn to enjoy life along the way.
Maybe we need to remember that life is not a race, but a journey to be savored, much like the French croissant that smells and tastes so delicious.
Yes, we Americans have much to learn from the Europeans. Perhaps it is time to integrate some of Europe into our lives!
What is mindset if you don’t know? It’s the way you look at the world and everything in it. It’s how your mind (your brain) processes your current situation. It’s how you look at things, your environment, and your very own life.
Surely there will be times that aren’t all rosy, and cheerful. Times of death and destruction and great loss - not just to buildings and things - but great loss of life. Unbearable loss where we think we just cannot go on another day, another hour, or another minute.
In those times it’s especially important to maintain a good mindset. One way to do so is to remember these things:
This too shall pass.
It’s part of learning a lesson.
God never gives you more than you can handle.
At these times, it’s important to look for Hope. Look for Gratitude and express these thoughts to others.
Inspiration and reflection are key to finding the right answer to your question. So, I pondered the question of what to call my publishing company in an appropriate place – the beach, more precisely Kure Beach, N.C. while on vacation.
I knew I wanted something timeless, meaningful, somewhat spiritual, and something that would carry my publishing company beyond the early books I had planned. (The Live Your Best Life Series available on Amazon.com) Somehow, I knew there would be more meaningful books to come, which I have since written and published (The Unimagined Awakening, The New I AM Document Vol I, available on Amazon.com.)
I was watching a movie, something I seldom do. It was actually more like a documentary. The core message was something about we are all on a journey. They explained about the Golden Spiral and the mathematical reasoning behind it. They also explained how the spiral is evident everywhere in our everyday life and what it symbolizes. They explained how the spiral had been present in past civilizations too and reiterated it symbolized a journey.
I knew this was the right name for my publishing company, but a search on Google revealed a similar name was already taken, so I changed the last word of the name to Press.
Today, the name Golden Spiral Press is a registered trademark. I would say selecting a name for my company was through Divine inspiration, which is probably not the most common of routes, but then we are all on a journey.
As an author and spirit medium, I am asked, “How do you write a guided poem, and what is it anyway?”
To me, a “guided” poem is a fully formed poem that I just transcribe, not write. How does this happen? When I am in a relaxed state, I can hear or feel the words coming to me from another source. Sometimes it is from my spirit guides. Other times it seems to be a soulmate from another lifetime. The key is being in a relaxed state when my vibrational frequency is in tune with the source.
Those of us old enough to remember the Beatles may recall they once admitted to using drugs to magically write the words and music for their songs. I believe they used drugs to get to this relaxed state and could therefore “receive” the messages they were meant to gift humanity with.
More recently you may be aware of folks who travel to Peru, notably Machu Picchu, to experience higher levels of awareness or consciousness. They are guided by a shaman and use a drug called Ayahuasca. They too can receive great insights and information to help them on their life journey. I believe the drug helps them relax so they can tap into this source.
Some call this source of knowledge God, the Divine, Universal wisdom/consciousness, higher intuition, or your higher self. I call it “All That Is” because to me anyway, it can be anyone or anything.
The point is not what you call it. The point is accessing this higher level of consciousness so you can gain insights or understanding to help you on your current life’s journey. You can also use this method to be creative because you are tapping into divine wisdom.
This wisdom is available to EVERYONE, and you don’t need drugs to access it. You just need a way, a method, or a system to get yourself relaxed enough that your brainwaves are vibrating at the right frequency. Think of it like a radio, when you don’t get the station unless you are on the right frequency.
People have been doing this “connecting” for centuries. That is what meditation can do for you. Some people can get there doing yoga and pilates. Others can get to this relaxed state via jogging. Yes, even jogging! I have had many lifetimes exposed while doing long 10 mile runs to build up my endurance!
What all these methods have in common is deep breathing, which brings a state of calmness to one’s being. These methods teach your body how to slow down to the present moment, forget your “to do” list, and just learn to “be.” This is something that we have forgotten how to do with the busy lifestyles of today!
The good thing about discovering a method that works for you is that your body will easily and automatically go to this state once you practice it enough! I remember taking a yoga class after I learned how to connect. It only took two breaths and I clearly heard, “you’re in,” meaning I was in the relaxed state!
If you are looking for a simple, easy-to-follow method to tap into higher consciousness, that doesn’t involve exercise or drugs, I have you covered!
If you want to learn how to deal with today’s issues, be a better human, live a more peaceful and happier life, or be more creative, then I invite you to download my free Connect to Transform Process ™ at www.TheNewIamMovement.com/transform.
Find out more about my mission to uplevel the consciousness of mankind, one soul at a time at www.TheNewIamMovement.com.
"Your calling is not a conference call.
YESS!! I recently heard this statement from Emmanuel Acho (author of Uncomfortable Conversation with a Black Man) in an interview for Stephen Covey’s “On Leadership” podcast. It resonated with me and is a great lesson for everyone to embrace!
We all have hopes, dreams, goals, and (hopefully, someday) a mission in life. Your mission is often called a “calling,” something you feel compelled to do during your lifetime.
Often when we are hit with the clarity of what to do in life, we excitedly share it with others. They may not be nearly as enthused as we are. It’s not their goal, their mission, or their calling. They don’t think it’s such a great idea and will tell you numerous reasons why your idea won’t work and/or be a colossal failure. Don't invite them "onto the call" if they aren't fully invested in YOU.
Don’t listen to them! There are hundreds of naysayers for every good idea.
Remember this:
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