Today I had a quiet, personal victory—and it began at the grocery store.

After navigating the aisles with intention and grace, I came home with a cart full of microbiome-friendly foods: gluten-free naan, ceremonial green tea, seasonal produce, and organic bacon for a soulful treat. I even picked up Tim Horton’s coffee—something I rarely drink, but it felt like a joyful little luxury. A win, just for me.

But let’s be honest:

Feeding one can feel like facing a mountain.

Especially when you’re used to cooking for others, or not cooking at all.

See, I didn’t grow up in the kitchen. My mother, in her own loving way, didn’t need me there. “Just play🎹 for your supper,” she used to say. And so I did. Music became my contribution—my way of expressing love. I’d clean, do chores, and play the piano, while our simple meals were portion-controlled and structured.

So when I got married, I had to learn how to cook. I even have to learn how to boil water, 🤣. And now, years later, as I navigate this season of widowhood and healing, I’m returning to the kitchen in a whole new light—not with perfection, but with presence.

Cooking for one isn’t just a task.

It’s a transformation.

Today, I made grits, eggs, and organic bacon. (My soulful moment💕) I prepared it with intention. I drank my water 30 minutes before eating, and took my vitamin supplements with my meal. Because feeding myself now is an act of conscious self-love—and of self-trust.

It’s also a practice in emotional regulation.

I wash each dish by hand. Not my favorite thing. In times past, washing dishes was one of my childhood chores.  So, today,  I used my kitchen timer for motivation to finish the dishes.  This helps me to focus with a reward/accomplishment in mind👌 I allow space for rest and hydrate consistently. When grief whispers, “Why bother?” I respond with EFT tapping, breathwork, essential oils, and grace. Because I know that my solo meal is still sacred.

Am I lonely? No, because I am seeking solace and mindfulness even when the past events want to trigger me into victimization or pity. I am not in that space anymore.  However, this facet of your journey can be a lonely experience. So I keep moving with grace and love.💕 

Please note: You are learning how to live your life by design and not by default, even when dining alone or eating at home.  As each day present its own challenges, learn to reframe the narrative voice from within your own lens of understanding and valuing your hierarchy of values.🎶

That’s why using holistic modalities from my Holistic Harmony by Design program is beneficial.

Whether you’re a widow, an empty nester, or simply in a season of solitude, let me assure you:

Feeding one can still be festive and engaging.

It can be healing.

It can be filled with joy.

Let your mindful meals become gold seams in your Kintsugi bowl.

Let your table be a space of heart, not shame.

And let every bite declare: ”I matter.”

Even—especially—when you’re feeding just one.😋

🌀 

Reflection Prompt

What’s one solo meal you can make this week with celebration in mind, not obligation?