Cup of Inspiration

Today, September 25^th, is National Cooking Day. Today is the day to enjoy some time in your kitchen.

In a very busy world, it can be easy to pick up something quick at a fast-food restaurant. Perhaps you also find it easy to pop a frozen dinner in the microwave when you get home from work. With so much going on in our days, eating a meal is just a task we replicate 2 or 3 times a day. We don’t appreciate what that mealtime can offer.

That mealtime can offer you an escape from a hectic day. Taking a little time to go into your kitchen and crafting something that you haven’t enjoyed in awhile could give you the lift you need after a stressful day. Trying out a new recipe could remind you that it’s okay to venture into the unknown. Perhaps you’ll be successful with your first try with that recipe, but even if you aren’t, you have the experience of trying something different and learning how to improve for next time.

It can also be easy for us to rush through meals alone. Even if we live with family, we may find ourselves trying to finish eating on the run so we can head off to that next event on our calendar. Today, as you’re cooking something in the kitchen, consider cooking with a friend or someone you love. Take advantage of that time while stirring a pot of stew to talk to someone about how your day has gone, or to share an idea you have for a new project. Slowing down while you’re cooking can give you the excuse you need to stay away from your computer to catch up with email or pull up your social media feed.

The meal you cook doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. It may take you 20 minutes, or it may take you 2 hours. However long it takes you to prepare your meal, just remember that the importance is for you to relish a little time for yourself. Prepare something you will enjoy eating, and perhaps even share that time with someone special. Don’t worry about comparing your masterpiece with how others would prepare it. You aren’t preparing a photo to be displayed across your social media feed. You are enjoying your food, cooked your way, while capturing some much-needed time for yourself. Bon Appetit!