This year, I’m learning not to wait for the right feeling. Some days I’m energized. Some days I’m discouraged. Some days I’m just showing up because dinner still needs to happen. And somehow, that feels like the truest version of doing the thing anyway. The kitchen has been my steady place lately. A room that doesn’t ask how I’m doing before it lets me in. I turn on the lights, pull out a cutting board, and start with whatever is closest. Cooking when I feel good. Cooking when I don’t. Letting the day settle into something edible. I used to believe momentum came from motivation. Now I think it comes from habit. From returning to the same space again and again and trusting that something grounding waits there. Not perfection. Just presence. This room has held sick days, catch-up days, quiet meals, and ordinary dinners that mattered more than I expected. One recipe at a time. One small step forward. No grand plan required. And the twinkly lights? They stay on year-round for the reminder that warmth can be chosen. That even on the most ordinary days, it helps to keep a little light on. Gracefully yours, 🫶🏻 Jeanie Jo dothething kitchenstories foodwriter momlife slowliving LTKfoodie LTKHome