I want to talk to you about Gratitude for the Holidays…. but I want to also share the process of how I get there.
I think to myself: Another year done…. good that we distract ourselves with all this merriment, or we might notice how much faster years are going by. Rapid Passing. Not as catchy as Global Warming, but you have to admit, that would make a great script on Saturday Night Live, right?
RIGHT CHEF!
Don’t get me wrong. I am certainly enjoying the holidays…. But it does call to mind that we all have expiration dates, we’re put on this earth to grow and expand our consciousness and if that means slowing down and having a good look, well I can tell you first hand there is no time on my agenda for that!
Know the feeling?
Well, if you’re cooking like I do, I have found a meditation of sorts. It’s Kitchen Meditation. That intense focus is like a break from everything else we think about. And when we focus on each part of the process (the shopping, the prepping, the creating, the serving, the clean up) and take great joy in each part, we help ourselves to increase our satisfaction in a job well done. In fact, you can’t be anything but joyful when cooking or creating anything, including music.
I find myself singing as I work. Singing as I am stressed in traffic. Get the point?
YES CHEF!
But what about you? If you find yourself feeling used and abused by this process, I say: Bring food in. Then take 20 minutes to breath and talk to yourself about how grateful you are that someone has taken time to cook your meal.
I was reading an article today that talked about being happy. They said people who talk to themselves about what is going right in their life, tend to be happier. And I would say that’s true.
Sometimes I am happy for the smallest things. For example, as I sat in rush hour this evening headed to a Christmas Party, I thought: gee I’m glad I have this Jackson Browne CD in the car. And while everyone around me fretted their way through the experience, I sang. I understand that not everybody sings. But for those of you who do, notice what a great space it puts you into.
I am grateful that cooking brings me joy. No accident that they called a book “The Joy of Cooking”, right? Grateful that I love. Grateful that I am loved back by those who really care about me. And Ladies…. I am single, not in search of a man and GRATEFUL that I spend my time creating new things that bring joy, rather than deciding what the universe should give me and when.
I had a 30 year marriage. That’s a long run. And we are still friends, in business together. I am grateful for that. While he is a great guy, I am equally grateful to be single and able to fulfill my own expectations without having to check in with anyone. Don’t know if I will always feel this way, but I do right now.
Everything is perfect just the way it is. Will you say it with me one time?
EVERYTHING IS PERFECT JUST THE WAY IT IS CHEF.
And you know what that also means? Everything you create whether it’s in the kitchen or just an idea is equally perfect.
Start giving yourself the accolades you may want from others and see what happens. Experience joy.
Happy Healthy Eating,
