Creating nutritious memories
Creating nutritious memories
Life has a way of stacking itself, doesn’t it? One commitment on top of another, deadlines tucked between errands, and the constant hum of expectations running in the background. Some days it feels like modern society has us all moving on fast‑forward — rushing, juggling, …
You know that feeling kids have, that impatience to grow up, to finally be “an adult,” to have freedom and independence? I remember being exactly like that. I couldn’t wait to make my own choices, live my own life, do things my way. But now …
Most people don’t notice the moment their life begins to speed up. It happens quietly—an extra email here, a late-night message there, a calendar that fills itself faster than you can breathe. Before long, the days blur into one long stretch of productivity, and rest becomes something you promise yourself you’ll get to “when things slow down.” But things rarely slow down on their own.
A friend once told me that life feels like standing in a river that never stops moving. The current pushes, pulls, demands. And if you don’t intentionally step onto the riverbank every now and then, you forget what stillness feels like.
That’s why short vacations—tiny escapes, really—matter more than we admit. Not the grand, meticulously planned trips that require spreadsheets and savings accounts. I mean the small, intentional pauses. A weekend away. A day with no agenda. A morning spent watching the sun rise instead of your notifications. These moments are deceptively powerful. They remind you that you are more than your output.
In a fast-paced society, rest can feel like rebellion. There’s a strange guilt that creeps in when you choose to pause. You wonder if you’re falling behind, if someone else is using the time “better,” if the world will move on without you. But the truth is simpler: you cannot pour from a dry well. And wells don’t refill themselves while you’re busy drawing water.
When you step away—even briefly—you return to yourself. You notice things again. The way your shoulders drop when you’re not rushing. The way your breath deepens when you’re not bracing for the next demand. The way your mind wanders into places it hasn’t visited in months. Creativity, clarity, and calm don’t thrive in constant motion. They grow in the quiet spaces you make for them.
Maybe the real challenge isn’t finding time to rest, but giving yourself permission to take it. To say, “This matters too.” To recognize that rest is not a luxury; it’s a form of maintenance. A way of honoring your limits so you can keep going without losing yourself along the way.
And perhaps the question worth asking is this: If you never step out of the river, how will you remember what solid ground feels like?
Disclaimer:This content may include discussions of emotions, mental health, trauma, or other sensitive topics that could be triggering for some individuals. Please take care while engaging with this material and prioritize your wellbeing. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or in need of support, …
Scrambled eggs is a classic and you will find this in cafes in their breakfast or brunch menu. Last Saturday morning, I kept it simple by preparing scrambled eggs with chives, sautéed mushroom in butter and parsley, and sauteed spinach over rye bread with a …
Admitting that when we are wrong can feel like standing exposed under a harsh light. It’s a human experience which we often resist more than we relalise. One of the biggest challenges in saying “I’m sorry” is facing the fears and insecurities associated with owning a mistake. We worry about being judged, rejected, or seen as weak. For many admitting our faults feels like a blow to their identity—especially if we pride ourselves on being competent or in control.
Insecurity plays a major role. If we’re unsure of our worth or fear that others will lose respect for us, apologising can feel threatening. We may fear that an apology makes us vulnerable to criticism or emotional distance. Others may have grown up in environments where admitting mistakes led to punishment, not understanding—so as a coping mechanism, we learn to hide our faults rather than face them.
Fear also stems from the unknown. Will the other person forgive us? Will they use our apology against us? This uncertainty can make silence feel safer than taking emotional responsibility. But the truth is, avoiding the words “I was wrong” often causes more harm—both to relationships and to our inner peace.
Learning to apologise sincerely is a process of emotional maturity. It involves quieting the ego and accepting that imperfection is part of being human. A meaningful apology includes not just the words, but also empathy, accountability, and the willingness to change. While fear and insecurity can cloud the moment, choosing honesty over pride is a sign of strength.
We may have different opinions with this point that I am about to say and I understand if this is the case whether if you believe in God. Humility helps us recognise our faults, and God welcomes those who approach Him with a sincere, repentant heart. By admitting our mistakes, we invite His grace and the chance for transformation. God Desires a Humble Heart.
Admitting we’re wrong is a powerful step toward personal growth. It humbles us, reminding us that we don’t know everything and never will. This humility opens the door to self-improvement, allowing us to reflect on our choices and learn from mistakes. Acknowledging our errors also shifts our perspective, helping us see situations from others’ points of view and fostering empathy. Most importantly, it keeps us open to learning—one of the most vital traits for lifelong growth. By embracing our imperfections, we invite new insights, deeper understanding, and a more honest, resilient version of ourselves to emerge.
In a world that often feels chaotic and fast-paced, finding solace in the simple act of gardening can be a profound and healing experience. Tending to plants not only connects us to nature but also offers a myriad of mental and physical health benefits. Whether …
Thatsafrotastic, what a treasure it has been to me. I remember first time creating this site, and how excited I was sharing recipes, photos and inspiring others to develop a positive relationship with food which, I still aim to do. However, something has come to …
After speaking and listening to various people from different walks of life, (as obvious as it may sound), it was clear that everyone had different views and values when it comes to food choices. For some, it’s a way of bonding with others, enjoying the moment, exposing themselves to different cultures. Cooking is a love language to others and for myself. Unwinding as I enjoy the aromas, how the table is set up with good food, music elevating the small details which can be opulent, elegant or even simple and humble making the mundane things in life more meaningful. Some of my best memories are centered around food and the table. Also. it is establishing a positive relationship with food and using as my creative outlet. However, this might not be the case for everyone and sometimes we may experience values that conflict with ours. The reason why I am emphasising this is that it essential that we recognise our own biases as it is easy to judge other choices without fully listening to people’s stories and giving them a safe space to do so. Health is not a one size fits all and sometimes, society and sometimes over curated posts in social media can obscure our view of what food choices and health looks like for us. (Double edged sword). #connect and show the realistic side and to be authentic.
With the values that I had mentioned previously, I acknowledge that not everyone may have or want to invest the time when preparing food. Some might see it as just food for fuel, providing for the family, might be pressed for time. We are all coming from different experiences, circumstances. especially cooking skills and ability.
Establishing a positive relationship with food is a journey, not a destination and there are many ways to embark on this lifelong journey. For some, it might mean meal planning, quick and easy meals, carving out time, choosing a day to get your groceries and not going when you’re hungry. I’ve seen a family of six spend $80 a week on groceries whereas there are others I know a family unit of two that can easily spend $60 every few days of pre-prepared meals which works for both.
If your finding that you are looking to change, re-evaluating the way how you see food, I invite you to take the time, to reflect, even if its five minutes and ask yourself the following questions:
What do you value when it comes to food choices?
My answer as an example. Diversity of food from different cultures is important to me. I try to obtain local and sustainable ingredients where I can. Food that nourishes my body, enjoying simple humble meals and fine dining (I don’t mind spending a coin or two with fine dining). I enjoy making time for food, but when life gets busy, I prefer to have meals prepared in meals to help avoid getting takeout and overspend. Food should not be wasted and try to be creative with leftovers and use a list posted on the fridge highlight expiry dates of stored meals, leftovers, meats to prevent food wastage. I will also have ~2 frozen meals in the freezer busy days where I have no time to cook in the kitchen.
Reflecting out your values, how they make you feel?
It makes me feel good as it offers flexibility, variety, exposure to new foods and experiences. This helps me with enjoying my meals with others or solo and leads me back to a place of gratitude.
Feel free to share your responses in the comments below and would love to hear your thoughts’.
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I remember when living with friends and I implemented eating our meals on Wednesdays. They enjoyed the company, meals and environment that it became a daily thing for the mornings. To this day, we recall our fond memories of the times of eating our meals …