Food and feelings

A person very important to me recently read my blog and commented on how much she enjoyed it. It gave me a strong urge to start writing again, and I re-visited the blog this afternoon. Looking at all my old posts brought back a rush of memories and emotions connected with each posting and it made me think about the amazingly strong connection between food and feelings. There are times in life when food actually becomes a feeling, an emotion, an escape even.

It made me think about the reason I started my blog in the first place. If anyone has watched the movie Julie and Julia, that explains it. I was at a job where I felt unappreciated, unchallenged and plain bored. I had reached breaking point when my manager told me my writing needed professional help, and when a piece of my writing that I had put my heart and soul into came back from "professional" copywriters overly simplified and full of spelling and grammatical errors. For whatever reason, my manager decided to choose the writing piece with errors over mine, leaving my self-esteem at an all-time low.

It was then that a friend of mine suggested I start a blog, my own little place where I could write and publish, with unbiased criticism. But it was more than just a blog, this blog had to be something I was passionate about, something about which I could find inspiration for anytime I wanted. And I chose food - the one thing you encounter everyday of your life. And it worked! I could walk into my mundane job everyday with a smile on my face, face unjust criticism and lack of appreciation, knowing that all I had to do was go home and write about what I love, and I would feel a sense of accomplishment.

I stopped writing in July - around the same time I quit my job (it was only a matter of time!!)

I had seven free months before my next job came along, and I used that time to explore food, enjoy slow cooking, even pursue other hobbies - stop and smell the roses if you may. What still intrigues me is that although I had all that free time, I was never inspired to write. I enjoyed food just as much - it just didn't inspire me.

Today I stopped to think, and I realize why. Food for me is a feeling. It can be joy, excitement, love, adventure, comfort, even an identity. But food feelings are strongest when you're in a slump, at a time in life when you just feel generally low, in search of something better.

Today I have a job which is challenging, fun, exciting and keeps me incredibly busy. Outside of work, family and personal commitments keep me feeling happy and fulfilled without the need for food. Hence, the writing has taken a backseat.

I miss it sometimes, the passion I felt about every meal I had eaten, this itch to come and write about it, to savor every precious memory again and put it into words.

Writer's block....how to get over it? Just write about anything.....just any thought that comes in your head. Once the creative juices get flowing, it's hard to stop them.

That's what I've attempted with this post... I hope it works :)

Till next time folks!

(And let's hope it's not another 9 months!!)