Connection. It’s what’s for dinner tonight.

Do you enjoy cooking? Or eating? I can pretty much guarantee that you like at least one of these options. If not, I doubt you’ll be reading this much longer. I enjoy both on a substantial level. Cooking on a leisurely weekend, with candles lit, music or an old movie playing, and sipping a new wine in between chopping, is one of my favorite ways to unwind and treat myself. It’s a great zone out activity of mine. When you overthink often, finding these types of hobbies are essential to give yourself a brain break. Cooking for other people though, it’s a tricky balancing act for me. I feel slightly on edge, worried about what I should even cook. Then, I’m focused, watching the clock, ensuring nothing is well done or resembling a creature from Stranger Things. I feel a looming pressure to do it right, on time and an obligation to entertain. In the same regard, I truly enjoy catering to people, creating a meal that makes them feel excited, eager and appreciated. In other words, once the meal prep is done and I sit down to enjoy the meal with friends or family, it’s all worth it. Do you feel a bond between food and connection in your relationships? I didn’t realize it until later in my life, but not everyone links the two as I do. I grew up with big family dinners at my grandparents on the weekends and a house full of lively relatives who all loved hearty, flavorful food. We would all cram in around my grandparents large dining table, sometimes the extra chairs would trickle out into the kitchen or doorways, all within range of the animated conversation. Growing up, my parents usually cooked a nice meal during the week, and we always ate at the table together, (unless it was pizza/movie Friday, which meant a blanket on the living room floor). For me, mealtime equates togetherness. Bonding. Communication. Connection. No wonder when we are all running around “doing all the things”, jamming protein bars into our mouths as we run out the door, we feel disconnected. We’re missing out on the meaningful connection, sharing something delicious together, (whether at a restaurant or home-cooked) and bonding over it. Why not light a candle tonight, cook or order take out, turn off the TV and talk? You could even find a list of fun questions online to ask each other if you’re not sure what to talk about. Connection. It’s so important.