Finding Harmony in Cooking and Fashion: A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

Finding Harmony in Cooking and Fashion: A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

Introduction: By now, you know my top 5 hobbies, listed in order: reading/writing, exercise, cooking, fashion, and dancing. Reading/writing has always been a cherished pastime for me, but it was during the last five years, amidst the healing journey following loss of my wife and son in 2018, that I discovered the therapeutic power of exercise, cooking, fashion, and dancing. These hobbies have not only played a crucial role in my healing process but through these creative pursuits, I discovered a common principle of harmony that guided my path towards healing and personal growth

Fashion and Cooking: A Shared Principle: In both fashion and cooking, I adhere to the principle of harmony and balance. When selecting an outfit, I determine the main color or piece, such as a brown suit, and ensure that every accessory complements it without overshadowing it. Similarly, in cooking, I focus on enhancing the main dish's flavors with carefully selected spices and ingredients, without overpowering its essence.

• Fashion: I stick with neutral colors like navy, white, and gray to complement my main outfit, projecting my passion and personality through a single primary color like blue, red, or green.
• Cooking: I always cook with a set of five spices – pepper, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and curry powder – to supplement the main dish's flavors without detracting from it, ensuring that the main ingredient remains the star.

Cooking: A Symphony of Flavors: In the kitchen, I find solace in the art of cooking, where every dish becomes a canvas for expression and exploration. Drawing inspiration from research in culinary psychology, studies have shown that cooking can have therapeutic effects, reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being (Smith et al., 2014). My approach to cooking revolves around simplicity and balance, with a focus on enhancing the natural flavors of ingredients while maintaining a harmonious composition.

• Research Finding: According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, individuals who engage in creative activities like cooking report higher levels of positive emotions and satisfaction with life (White et al., 2010).

Fashion: Expressing Identity Through Style: In the world of fashion, I find an outlet for self-expression and creativity. Research in the field of fashion psychology suggests that clothing choices can influence mood and self-perception (Adam & Galinsky, 2012). By adhering to a principle of simplicity and elegance, I ensure that every outfit reflects my personality and values, serving as a visual representation of my passion and identity.

• Research Finding: A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that individuals who wore formal attire reported feeling more powerful and confident compared to those dressed casually (Kraus et al., 2015).

Conclusion: Through the pursuit of hobbies such as cooking and fashion, I have discovered a profound sense of healing and self-discovery. By embracing principles of harmony and balance in both realms, I have not only found joy and fulfillment but have also experienced positive impacts on my mental and emotional well-being. As I continue on my journey of empowerment and positive change, I remain committed to sharing my passion and insights with others, inspiring them to find their own path towards healing and self-discovery.

About the Author: I am a Fintech & Financial Inclusion ABC (Architect, Bridger & Catalyst) with a passion for empowering individuals and fostering positive change. As a Growth Mindset Evangelist and Health, Wellness, Fitness & Environmental Advocate, I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others through advocacy and action.

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