Cooking has become more than just a task for me, it is a grounding ritual, a creative outlet, and a path to overall wellness. As I navigate the world of motherhood, doctoral studies, and personal growth, the kitchen has become a sanctuary where I can reconnect with myself.
For years, cooking felt overwhelming amidst the busyness of life. But after developing a sensitivity to certain foods, I started viewing food differently. I began creating meals that were both nourishing and gentle on my body. This shift turned cooking into an intentional practice, one that calmed my mind and supported my health.
The rhythmic actions of chopping vegetables and stirring a pot became meditative. Trying a challenging recipe, like Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon, taught me patience and the beauty of trusting the process. Cooking, I realized, was not just about the meal, it was about creating space for mindfulness and growth.
Cooking has also become a way to connect, with my loved ones and with myself. My children love joining me in the kitchen, turning it into a place of creativity and laughter. Together, we experiment with recipes, share stories, and create traditions that nourish both body and spirit. My husband and I like to cook for each other, and for fun, we have cooking competitions as a creative a date night-in. This idea was inspired by our love for the show Chopped.
These moments remind me that food is not just sustenance, it is love expressed in the simplest acts, like flipping pancakes on an early morning or sprinkling seasonings on fish or chicken.
Cooking fits seamlessly into my broader self-care practices, like journaling and using calming scents like lavender. On stressful days, preparing a meal grounds me. It is a reminder that even amid chaos, I can create moments of peace and joy.
As I prepare for a new year, I carry the lessons cooking has taught me; patience, creativity, and the value of slowing down. While I am still learning the craft of cooking, I find the process to be a powerful reminder that even the simplest acts, done with intention, can heal and uplift.
Cooking, for me, is not just about making meals, it is about nurturing my soul and building connections that last a lifetime.
Mindfully curated by Debra Gudema for Well&Co.
📸: yulkapopkova/getty