At first I thought cooking was just following instructions - add this, heat that, done. But it's actually about intuition, patience, adjusting, tasting, feeling when something's right. You can't rush a good meal. You have to respect the ingredients, the process, the time things need.

My aunt taught me that cooking for others is an act of love. Not just throwing something together so people aren't hungry, but actually thinking about what would nourish them, what would bring them comfort, what would make them feel cared for. Choosing ingredients carefully. Preparing everything thoughtfully. Presenting it beautifully. 💝

There's humility in this work too. In serving others before yourself. In finding joy not in being served but in creating something that brings happiness to people you love. I feel this especially when I'm cooking for family - this deep satisfaction in knowing I'm contributing to our wellbeing in such a fundamental way.

I know some people see domestic skills as beneath them or as something imposed on women unfairly. But for me, it feels like reclaiming something valuable that's been dismissed. These aren't lesser skills - they're essential ones! The ability to create a warm, nourishing, beautiful home environment is powerful. 🌸

When I'm chopping vegetables or stirring a pot or setting the table nicely, I'm not diminishing myself. I'm practicing mindfulness, expressing creativity, showing love through action. These moments feel sacred to me, honestly. Like I'm participating in something ancient and important - the feeding of those we care about.

Is it strange that I find so much meaning in something as simple as cooking a good meal? 🥘