A Busy Mom’s Journey to Finding Joy in Cooking

Cooking weekday meals for my family felt rushed and like a tedious chore. So many meals – and soooo many dishes. Honestly, most nights it was a relief to get it done and to move on to the next task.

The only respite I found was in the glass of wine that more often than not, accompanied my nightly dinner prep. I looked forward to that moment- it was like my reward for almost making it through the day.

So once I made the decision to stop drinking and embrace a healthier lifestyle, I was worried about missing that glass of wine. It had become part of may wind-down routine. How would I ever get through all of those dinners without a little pick-me-up from my Sauvignon Blanc? Would I even enjoy cooking anymore without that glass of wine in hand?

But to my surprise, the absence of alcohol only heightened my connection to the cooking. Instead of rushing through the motions, I learned to slow down, to savor the journey rather than just focusing on the destination. The soundtrack of my favorite music set the rhythm and with each beat, the stresses of the day melted away, replaced by a sense of flow and serenity.

As I began to slow down and savor the art of cooking, I realized the immense potential for bonding with my kids. What was once a whirlwind of pots and pans became an opportunity to engage their curiosity and creativity. Together, we explored new recipes, discovered ingredients, and experimented with flavors. In the midst of our culinary adventures, we laughed, talked, and made memories that would last a lifetime.

It wasn’t until I stopped drinking that I realized the “chaos” I was trying to escape, was only magnified by the alcohol. Without the wine anymore, I enjoyed hearing my kids in the background, and I had more fun in the kitchen – trying new recipes and listening to good music replaced that glass of wine. (Maybe a warm cup of tea or even a pre-dinner espresso was a nice boost, if I needed a little something extra.)

So, to all the busy moms out there, I encourage you to reclaim your kitchen as a sanctuary. Embrace the chaos and let the magic unfold. Find joy in the process, savor each ingredient, and let the act of cooking nourish not only your loved ones but also your own spirit.