[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.2″]
It’s day one of the 31 Days of Mindfulness Challenge and today’s task is to cook with no distractions.
Happy New Year!
Today, we kick off the 31 Days of Mindfulness Challenge and I am so excited!
For me, the new year always brings so much anticipation; the idea that I get to start fresh and with a clean slate is empowering, yet slightly terrifying.
As I get older, I’ve put less pressure on myself to make these grandiose resolutions and instead, focus more on setting smaller goals throughout the year – ones that are actually achievable.
This year, my goal is to continue focusing on mindfulness. It’s something I started learning about this past summer and have been practicing ever since.
After getting the responses from our annual reader survey, it seems to be something that you like learning about as well. Enter, this 31 day challenge.
Each day for the month of January, I’ll be sharing a small to-do that is centered around mindfulness. From quitting social media for a day to starting your morning journaling to spending an hour outside, each task is 100 percent doable and shouldn’t take too much time out of your day! And, if the habit sticks, it’ll be something you can continue throughout the year (and beyond!)
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Day One: No Distractions While Cooking
“No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.” – Julia Child
We’re starting the challenge with an easy one – we all need to eat and for most of you, this mindfulness habit comes naturally. For me, it takes a lot of work. It’s not a huge secret in our house that my cooking skills generally leave a little (or a lot) to be desired. For the longest time I figured it was purely due to lack of skill.
And then.
And then one particular meal, Brett, who was probably fed up from one-too-many over-seasoned and/or burnt meals, says to me, “Kelly. Just stop doing everything else and focus on cooking.” I put my phone down, closed my computer and looked at him, shocked. I wish I was kidding, but running between the computer, checking email on my phone and putting together dinner was a common occurrence.
My first instinct was to say something along the lines of, “Yea, well. If you don’t like it, cook your own meal.”
After taking a deep breath, swallowing down the smartass remark, I realized he may be right. Key word being ‘may.’
That kitchen ‘incident’ happened several months ago, so believe me when I tell you this is something I have to continuously work on. Which is why today’s to-do is at the beginning of my month; hopefully, it’ll stick and be something that we do for every meal.
So, tonight. I’m pouring myself a glass of wine, turning on some music and focusing all my attention on cooking dinner.
If you’re joining in, let us know what you’re cooking today in the comments!
All our best,
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
I just had to chuckle at this! I’m an empty nester & I love cooking. But it seems that my phone starts ringing/dinging as soon as I head to the kitchen to start cooking. Calls from my sister, texts from my daughter-in-law…..something!
I started today’s supper before lunch, searing some beef short ribs for the crockpot so it will be fast getting it all on the table tonight.
So happy to hear I’m not the only one who tries the multitasking while cooking! And sounds like a delicious meal – the faster, the better, in our book! 🙂 Enjoy the meal, Jenny!