Balance and cooking
You’ll notice new posts from me every four to six weeks. It should be more frequent, but it’s difficult to carve out opportunities. I also write from time-to-time for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway blog, the INDYCAR blog and you see it differently than.me. I feel like I bounce all over the place.
Balance – it’s been a struggle over the past year – new baby, new job, new adventures, new projects, new challenges. Sometimes I think I barely made it. And sometimes I think I could handle more (that’s the balance issue for you).
I used to cook regularly. I’d dream of becoming a chef. I’d spend a big part of my Sunday’s creating recipes I’d never tasted. Those days are mostly gone.
Although I did whip this up this afternoon
I would love to attend culinary school. If I ever retire (or win the lottery) – I want to become a chef. Perhaps own a small restaurant. Or travel around the world learning about new cultures and recipes.
I consider cooking a creative outlet. It’s up there with writing and photography for me. There’s the process, decision making and final creation. It’s shared, offered and provides. And people love food.
I haven’t cooked a meal in months. I made my son a scrambled egg recently. I sauteed some spinach a couple of weeks ago. Today I made carrot cake. It’s been a tough year for cooking! How can I find the time with a hectic job and a baby son?
It’s okay though. Cooking’s not going anywhere – unless we all start eating space meals.
Unknowingly, I redirected my creativity into other areas because of such big changes in life.
I try to be creative in my approach to fatherhood. I use my rare free time to write more than I ever have. I take photos whenever I can. I’m more thoughtful about the personal projects I undertake. I’m leading a healthier lifestyle to best cope with stress and lack of time. I’m more selective in what I watch or read. I’m starting a clothing line. I actually feel like I’m hitting my stride and I’m lucky to have a wife that does nothing but encourage me.
Looking through the lens - enjoying photography
So cooking might be on the back burner, but I’ve learned that through the challenges – both personal and professional, I’ve not slowed down. I’m still creating and I’m definitely growing.
I think that one of the characteristics of creativity. It’s not something that can be suppressed. It always finds a way to emerge, even if you may not know it at the time.
I’m not cooking much anymore, but I’m creating more than ever – with less time, more responsibilities, and one year older.
Here’s to finding balance…
finding time in the kitchen for me is like finding a gold nugget. Although I get to make countless meals for my family…
that one meal, where I get to pour my heart and soul into it (which mean my 3 kids probably don’t eat it) is so worth it.
Someday my kids will appreciate it. Right?