Beyond the Plate: Cultivating Joy, Wellness, and Creativity in My Everyday Life
Hey friends! Today, I’m thrilled to share a post that’s a little different from my usual kitchen-centric content. For nearly a year, I’ve been dreaming of creating a dedicated space where I can connect with you on a more personal level, sharing the aspects of my life that extend beyond recipes and food photography. This idea truly took root after diving into a few back-to-back episodes of Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert, especially her powerful “Leap into the Fire” episode. That experience deeply inspired me to just sit down and write, without waiting for that elusive “perfect” moment. It’s funny, isn’t it? I’ve been writing consistently for three times a week for at least the last year, and seven years overall, yet I still found myself holding back from sharing this more vulnerable side. What was I truly afraid of all this time?
My vision for this new section of Jessica in the Kitchen is simple yet profound: to create a monthly, or perhaps bi-monthly, space where I can openly share what’s happening in my world outside the kitchen. This is where I’ll introduce you to the elements that shape my daily life, the moments that bring me laughter or tears, and the exciting new plans I have in store for the website. While I don’t have a rigid structure in mind yet – this space will naturally evolve as we grow together – my deepest hope is that you’ll walk away feeling happier, a little more uplifted, and ready to embrace your day, week, or month with renewed energy. And more than anything, I genuinely want to hear your thoughts too. So, let’s embark on this new journey together!
Before we dive in, I want to send a huge Happy 15th Birthday wish to my wonderful “little” brother, Benjamin, who is now officially over 6 feet tall! And to the best dad in the world, Happy Father’s Day! Your love and support mean everything to me.
Cultivating Wellness: My Current Favorite Practices and Inspirations
1. Choosing Happiness and Protecting My Mental Well-being
In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, actively choosing happiness has become a cornerstone of my daily life. This isn’t just a fleeting thought; it’s a conscious, daily decision I make the moment I wake up. My morning ritual is meticulously designed to set a positive and productive tone: I begin with a heartfelt prayer of gratitude, clearly articulate my intentions for the day ahead, and then dedicate sacred time to meditation. I verbally affirm that “today will be an amazing day,” and then I align my actions to make that a tangible reality. This often involves incorporating yoga or another form of invigorating exercise into my morning, fueling my body with a wholesome and filling breakfast, meticulously planning my tasks and priorities for the day, and only then settling down to work. A crucial and non-negotiable part of this practice involves actively safeguarding my mental well-being against external pressures.
We are constantly bombarded with news and updates from every corner of the globe, and thanks to the pervasive nature of social media, it’s incredibly easy to absorb the sadness, anger, and negativity that often permeates the digital landscape. While it’s important to be informed, empathetic, and compassionate, please remember that it is absolutely okay to step away, to turn off the constant influx of noise. You can still care deeply about global issues and support causes you believe in without allowing the overwhelming negativity to consume your entire day and peace of mind. Giving yourself explicit permission to protect your inner sanctuary and actively choose moments of joy is not selfish; it’s an essential act of self-preservation that allows you to show up more fully and effectively in the ways you *can* contribute positively to the world around you.
What active steps are you taking to choose happiness and protect your mental well-being each day? I’d love to hear your personal strategies and insights in the comments below.
2. The Power of Audio: Engaging with Podcasts & Audible Books
As someone who has always considered myself a highly visual learner, deeply engaged by written words and images, discovering the profound enjoyment and efficacy of listening to books and podcasts came as a delightful and unexpected surprise. My journey into the captivating world of audio content truly began after immersing myself in Lilly Singh’s compelling book, How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life. And seriously, if you haven’t yet experienced this book, you absolutely should! It’s a powerful blend of empowering insights, magical storytelling, and incredibly relatable experiences, all wrapped into one phenomenal read. It completely captivated me, cementing its place as a must-read, and effectively hooked me on the concept of absorbing enlightening and uplifting information through the dynamic medium of the spoken word.
One of the greatest advantages of audiobooks and podcasts is their incredible flexibility and accessibility, especially for those with perpetually busy schedules. If your day is packed with tasks and commitments, you can seamlessly integrate learning and inspiration into virtually any part of your routine – whether you’re meticulously chopping vegetables for dinner in the kitchen, carefully tending to your thriving garden, commuting, or even during a photography shoot. This remarkable ability to multitask while still engaging deeply with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and compelling stories has been an absolute game-changer for me. It allows me to continually learn, grow, and expand my horizons, even when traditional reading time is scarce, enriching my life in ways I never imagined possible.
Currently, my absolute go-to podcasts are The Marie Forleo Podcast and Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert. Both resonate deeply with me as a creative individual and entrepreneur, offering invaluable perspectives on nurturing creativity, overcoming self-doubt, building resilience, and developing the unwavering confidence needed to truly explore and manifest one’s unique talents. This, in turn, powerfully reinforces my daily commitment to choosing happiness and passionately pursuing my various creative endeavors. These podcasts consistently make me laugh, cry, and smile – eliciting a full spectrum of meaningful emotions! I wholeheartedly recommend them if you’re seeking a potent dose of inspiration, practical strategies, and a significant boost in your day-to-day activities and creative pursuits. On my ever-growing reading list, I recently purchased Elizabeth Gilbert’s brilliant book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, and as a huge, long-time fan of her iconic work, Eat, Pray, Love, I am eagerly anticipating the profound insights and timeless wisdom I know are contained within its pages.
What books are currently gracing your nightstand or enriching your audiobook queue? And which podcasts do you find most inspiring, educational, or uplifting? Please generously share your top recommendations with me and our vibrant community of fellow readers and listeners!
3. Mindful Moments: The Transformative Practice of Meditation
I touched upon this earlier in my morning routine, but it bears repeating with deeper emphasis: my day simply doesn’t feel complete, centered, or truly balanced without dedicated time for meditation. When many people initially hear the word “meditation,” they often conjure a singular, perhaps rigid, image of what it entails – a monk on a mountain, or hours of silent stillness. However, I’ve found that meditation is truly what you make it – a deeply personal, adaptable, and profoundly impactful practice. I particularly value using the Headspace app because it provides accessible and insightful guided exercises that significantly enhance my mindfulness and ability to stay present, an area where I’ve historically struggled to maintain consistent focus.
Living with intense anxiety, I want to be absolutely clear that I make no claims of meditation being a definitive “cure” for this condition. However, I have witnessed and personally experienced a profound and undeniable difference in *how* I manage, respond to, and ultimately cope with my anxiety when it inevitably arises. It has equipped me with invaluable tools to observe my thoughts and feelings without being completely overwhelmed, consumed, or dictated by them. If you, too, grapple with anxiety, struggle with mental chatter, or simply seek greater clarity, calm, and emotional regulation throughout your demanding days, I cannot recommend exploring the practice of meditation enough. It offers a gentle yet powerful pathway to a more centered, grounded, and emotionally resilient existence.
For me, meditation can be as simple as carving out a few precious moments from an otherwise hectic and insane day to consciously appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around me. Sometimes, this means quietly acknowledging the sheer intricate beauty of the earth that God created, from the rustling leaves to the vast sky. Other times, it involves a more guided exercise of truly being “here and now” – not allowing my mind to be entirely engrossed in past regrets or consumed by future fears and anxieties, but rather, *actually* existing and breathing in the vivid, live present moment. I consistently find that this dedicated practice brings my day into sharp and meaningful focus, helping me to prioritize and dedicate my precious energy to the things that truly matter most in my life, fostering both inner peace and outward productivity.
Have you ever tried meditating, or is it something you’ve always been curious about exploring but haven’t yet? What has your experience been, or what are your reservations?
4. Green Thumbs and Fresh Flavors: The Joy of My Garden
This next favorite might bring a knowing smile to your face, especially if you follow me on Instagram – you’ll know I proudly wear the badge of a devoted “plant mommy”! Gardening, I’ve discovered, is a profound labor of love, undeniably demanding effort, patience, and a willingness to learn, but the rewards are incredibly fulfilling and deeply satisfying. It’s still a relatively new passion for me, and I’m actively resisting the urge to strive for unattainable perfection. Instead, my focus is intently placed on being an engaged and present participant in the entire, miraculous process: from carefully planting a tiny, hopeful seed to witnessing its magnificent transformation into a vibrant fruit or herb, right through to the joyous harvest time. It’s a continuous, hands-on learning curve, filled with small, victorious triumphs and occasional, valuable lessons in resilience.
Currently, my burgeoning garden is flourishing with an abundance of vibrant spinach (and I mean, *lots* of it, enough for countless delicious meals!), plump and juicy tomatoes, three distinct and aromatic varieties of basil, refreshing mint, and fragrant rosemary. Looking ahead to future seasons, we’re incredibly excited to expand our repertoire to include crisp bell peppers and perhaps even some sweet, earthy carrots. This entire gardening journey, from planning to picking, has been nothing short of amazing. Trust me when I say, once you experience firsthand the immense time, dedicated effort, and tender care that goes into cultivating your own fresh food, you will develop an unparalleled and profound appreciation for every single bite you consume. It truly transforms your relationship with what you eat, fostering a deeper connection to your nourishment; for example, sautéed spinach has simply never tasted better or more satisfying!
Do you have a thriving garden of your own, or have you ever considered embarking on the rewarding journey of starting one? What delicious fruits, wholesome vegetables, or aromatic herbs do you currently enjoy growing, or what would you dream of cultivating? Share your gardening stories, tips, and aspirations with our growing community!
5. A Message of Love: My Guiding Quote and Philosophy
My current guiding principle and absolute favorite quote, which deeply resonates with my soul and daily philosophy, comes from the incredibly insightful author of Love Warrior, Glennon Doyle Melton. Her profound words serve as a powerful and unwavering reminder in a world that often complicates simplicity:
“The only meaningful thing we can offer one another is love. Not advice, not questions about our choices, not suggestions for the future, just love.”
In a world often too quick to judge, to criticize, to offer unsolicited opinions, or to impose personal expectations, this quote cuts through the noise and reminds us of the purest, most impactful, and universally healing gift we can possibly give. It’s a clear and urgent call to approach every interaction, every relationship, and every challenge with an open heart and a spirit of unconditional acceptance and compassion. It encourages us to step back from the urge to fix, to control, or to critique, and instead, simply to be present with a loving presence. For this week, and hopefully as an enduring practice beyond, I sincerely encourage all of us to truly embody this powerful message: in everything you do, and in every interaction you have, consciously choose to offer love.
Community & Future Plans: Exciting New Additions to Jessica in the Kitchen
Exciting New Additions to the Website
I’ve heard your enthusiastic pleas and passionate requests, and I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I will soon be introducing comprehensive and incredibly helpful meal prep guides right here on Jessica in the Kitchen! For those who might be new to this game-changing concept, meal prepping is a fantastic, efficient, and delicious way to streamline your healthy eating goals, significantly save precious time during your busy week, and even dramatically reduce food waste, making your kitchen more sustainable. If you’re curious to learn more about its myriad benefits and discover just how easily you can incorporate it into your routine, I wholeheartedly encourage you to read all about it in my detailed introductory post. I’m still meticulously crafting these guides, pouring my heart and soul into ensuring they are as helpful, inspiring, and easy to follow as possible, and I absolutely cannot wait to share them with you all and hear your feedback!
Additionally, I’m incredibly excited to extend a warm and personal invitation for you to join our rapidly growing and wonderfully supportive Jessica in the Kitchen Facebook Friends Group! This private group is lovingly designed to be a vibrant, encouraging, and highly interactive community where you can freely share your latest culinary creations, proudly showcase your own recipe photos, ask questions, exchange tips, and connect meaningfully with fellow food enthusiasts and home cooks. We’re actively building a nurturing space for inspiration, collaborative cooking, shared joy in the kitchen and beyond, and genuine friendship. Come over and join us today – I’d absolutely love to see you there and welcome you to our growing family!
Weekly Highlights: Inspiration & Refreshment for Your Weekend
Weekend Reading & Watching Recommendations to Nourish Your Mind
- “In Defense of Food” Documentary starring Michael Pollan: While not a traditional “read,” this thought-provoking documentary is an absolute must-watch for anyone interested in healthy eating and understanding our food system. Michael Pollan’s insightful yet characteristically humorous approach makes complex nutritional topics incredibly accessible, engaging, and enjoyable. Though there are a few minor points where my personal views might diverge slightly, the overall message is profoundly impactful and resonates deeply: prioritizing natural, whole foods that are minimally processed is paramount for our bodies, especially when contrasted with the often detrimental effects of highly processed alternatives. I vividly recall craving and consuming copious amounts of walnuts, chia seeds, and fresh spinach immediately after finishing it – a true testament to its persuasive power and direct influence on my immediate food choices!
- Limiting Digital Noise: Finding Focus in a Connected World: I found this article on limiting digital noise in our lives incredibly insightful, timely, and truly relevant for modern living. In our hyper-connected and always-on world, the constant influx of notifications, endless scrolling, and digital distractions can significantly impact our ability to focus, our mental clarity, and our overall sense of well-being. I challenge you, dear reader, to try a “digital detox” this weekend – even just for a few intentional hours. Disconnect purposefully from your phone and social media, and truly experience the magical and profoundly refreshing sense of peace, calm, and clarity that comes with deliberately unplugging. It’s an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with yourself, your surroundings, and the beauty of the present moment, undistracted.
- “How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life” by Lilly Singh: I simply cannot recommend this empowering book enough; it should genuinely be considered required reading for navigating life with purpose and power! Lilly Singh delivers a casual yet incredibly informative, deeply personal, and seriously motivational perspective on navigating life’s myriad challenges and seizing its abundant opportunities. Finishing this book left me feeling profoundly empowered, energized, and imbued with a sense of limitless possibility, as if I could genuinely achieve anything I set my mind to with unwavering determination. Imagine having a wise, hilarious, and inspiring friend deliver their most compelling TED Talk directly to you, filled with actionable advice and genuine encouragement, but in comprehensive book form – that’s precisely the uplifting and transformative experience this book offers. It’s an essential guide for anyone looking to unlock their full potential and truly conquer life on their own terms.
Recipe of the Week: A Burst of Freshness for Your Table
Rainbow Fruit Salad with Maple Lime Dressing
If there was one single breakfast or side dish I could enjoy every single day without fail, this vibrant and utterly delicious Rainbow Fruit Salad with Maple Lime Dressing would undoubtedly be it. It’s the quintessential dish for warm summer gatherings, absolutely perfect for a refreshing breakfast, a celebratory brunch, or as a light and zesty side at your next backyard BBQ. Beyond its stunning visual appeal and incredibly delicious, harmonious flavors, it’s arguably one of the easiest and quickest recipes I’ve ever created, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. Literally seconds after I finished shooting the recipe video, my entire team and I were gathered around, eagerly devouring every single last bite of this delightful creation. It’s simple, exquisitely refreshing, and consistently a universal crowd-pleaser that brightens any meal.
Happy Sunday, my dear friends! Thank you so much for joining me on this more personal and reflective journey. I truly value your insights, perspectives, and engagement, so please don’t hesitate to share all your thoughts in the comments section below, or feel free to reach out to me directly by email. I’m eagerly awaiting to hear what resonated most deeply with you from today’s post.
What specific topics, personal stories, or types of content would YOU like to see featured in this new section of my blog as we continue to grow and explore together? Your valuable feedback will help shape our shared space!
All my love,
Jessica