Earlier this week, Gena wrote a thought-provoking post on a topic I’ve been meaning to address. I’ve got much, much more to say on it (tomorrow), but as the issue is a complex one, I thought I’d briefly write about the bright side today.
Gena’s post dealt with an issue I am certain many women (and men) experience: that feeling of victimization by the want, the can’t, the won’t of food. I have been there, and it is an unpleasant place to be. Gena reminded us that food is, at its core, nutrients, and not comfort, happiness, guilt, pain, fear, or any other emotion.
I told her I had to slightly disagree. I feel that food is one of the bright spots in my life. The important parts of that statement are that a) it is a positive element, and b) it is one of many elements. I think it’s worth mentioning that while this blog focuses on food, and food is certainly an important, even essential, aspect of my life, it is not my entire life.
I believe food can nourish both our bodies and our minds. I get a lot of joy out of cooking a meal such as the one I ate last night. I feel a similar content when I dine with my family, discussing the intrigue of a well-crafted menu, passing bites of each other’s dishes to share the experience of flavor. I can’t help but perk up a bit when I spot seasonal items at farmer’s markets or in grocery aisles. And when life gets me down, all of those associations with food bring me a smile.
But, food is not the be-all and end-all. There are other bright spots in my life, and I thought I’d share a few.
Words. Language fascinates me. Foreign languages, the English language, the spoken word, the written word. I could go on.
Art. Theater, style, photography, film… I’ve never been that into music, but I can still appreciate it. My life is incomplete without art in it.
Travel. Unsurprising, as my traveling has by far been the most important factor in shaping the person I am.
Family. I never take for granted how lucky I am to have a mother, father, and sister that I can look to as friends. And I’ll be spending tonight with them all, at World Series game 1.
What are some bright spots in your life? Is food one of them?
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Food is definitely a bright spot, especially when shared with friends and family. But I’m with you — travel made me who I am and continues to shape my life. I can’t imagine not traveling anymore!
Food is not a bright spot in my life right now, but I’d like it to be. I can relate to so many of the other “bright spots” you’ve mentioned, though, especially words.
(Do I even have to say that you are SO lucky to be going to the game tonight!?
)
<3 <3
I love this post! (as I love all of your posts, my dear). Food is a bright spot in my life because I either like to 1) have fun with it or 2) use it to tell a story. I know I’m not 100% balanced all the time, but I try, and that’s what counts.
Other bright spots: books, words, relationships with others, family, porch sitting, and my cat.
food is definitly a bright spot in my life and can be the opposite, but i have always loved food and cooking since i was little, and always was a huge veggie eater! but besides food, art, and fashion, and my family and friends are bright spots as well.
xx
ELiza
Bright spots in my life = the supportive friends and family around me.
I hope it was clear that I don’t think it’s wrong for food to be a bright spot in one’s day! Cooking and eating often brighten my days. My point was that I think it’s important not to invest food with more significance than it deserves, or to begin using food as one’s exclusive (or even primary) means of experiencing happiness, self worth, or comfort.
I think this is a terrific rejoinder, and I love seeing all of your other bright spots!
Food is nourishment, yes, but so much in our lives is TIED to it. Many cultures (including mine) base their life around meals and family cooking, the passing of recipes from generation to generation and celebrations.
Food and drink are at the center of my many relationships and I think it’s great. Because everyone needs and loves to eat, it is a universal human unifier.
yes, I agree with you, food is a great thing to share with family/friends, it’s a positive thing, our friend, not enemy!
Great post, as I had read Gena’s earlier and wasn’t sure how to reply. Food is a definite bright spot for me, but I teeter on the edge of a love/hate relationship with it. While I love it, I also place too much importance directly on it instead of the whole experience tied to it, if that makes sense.
I want it to be an entirely positive thing, and not such a force that it can also cause me to feel obsessive, restricted or controlled at times. So, we’re working on that
My “others” are SOOO baseball and hockey, writing for me and nature–it calms me like nothing else.
I love that this is the 1st post of yours that I have read. I agree with every single thing you listed. Traveling, by far, has been the biggest influence on my life. Thanks for this lovely inspiration today. Can’t wait to read more of your posts.
Oh this is a beautiful post! I find making a meal an accomplishment so that is an bright spot…the work, the flavor and the memory is a happy thing. But I do understand that food can’t fix emotions or be lifes soul purpose. I think its a lovely addition.
My other bright spots? Waking up and taking my baby sister to school. Having tea time in the afternoon with her. Going for walks with my puppy. Collaging and photography. Traveling with my best friend.
Thank you for the sweet comments, you put a smile on my face truely.
Love ya lots,
Maggie
Food is definitely a bright spot in my life. But others include travel, languages, literature, running, and art. I am no artist, but I do appreciate art!
im glad to see you share some other aspects of your life, leslie! i am always curious
Great post. Food is definitely important to me… I love to cook, especially with family, and going out to a meal with people I care about always makes me happy. I also love to read, travel, soak up culture… I guess I have a lot to feel happy about!
Your writing is always so lovely! Food is a huge part of my life but travel (to discover food!)plays a huge role as well. Family, friends, nature are also very important and life giving.
what a wonderful blog post, miss leslie. thank you!
bright spots in my life? the healthier, almost normal relationship with food i’ve worked for years to establish, my friends and family, running, new york city, music, skiing, writing, laughter and silliness.
food now is a bright spot in my life and i am glad it is. food nourishes me and that is it! i dont abuse food anymore to deal with my emotions. but i know i need food to live and enjoy life.
but i have realized that there are so many other things now that make up that bright spot in my life now. friends, family, school, shopping, dancing, laughing, music, arts, writing, painting, yoga…
I really like this post. I agree with you on food- I don’t like the negative connotations that are conjured up when people link food with emotions, but it doesn’t have to be a negative thing. A lot of my happiest memories are linked in with food in one way or another (maybe it’s a Jewish thing!) Other bright spots…friends, music, dancing, family, writing.