What's for Dinner?

During my first major decluttering journey in 2019, I discovered that my sense of stability and tranquility could exist independently of my circumstances. While this might have been old news to others, for me, it was a significant, life-changing light bulb moment that ignited a gradual transformation of my mindset, habits, and priorities.  

Whereas previously, I felt stuck in chronic stress and disorganization, I now had new tools and a good support system in place for cultivating more order and beauty in my life through adopting healthier systems and routines. I had been burned by an all-or-nothing approach so many times before, so this time, I focused on baby steps and resilience rather than perfectionism.

Discovering countless small ways to ignite joy through mindful living was both exciting and challenging! With each new habit acquired, my home became more peaceful, my mind and soul quieted, and my days felt more purposeful and fruitful.

My most recent endeavor has been upping my meal-planning game! Home management feels heavy and daunting when I avoid it but rewarding when I approach it with dignity and intention. If I were going to improve my meal planning skills, I would need to consistently carve out time on the weekends to devise a menu and shopping list. 

Saturday mornings work best for me. While the house is still quiet, I take stock of what’s in my refrigerator, then bring my coffee, cookbooks, and weekly planner to my favorite recliner.  The truth is, I love beautiful and nourishing food! I even love cooking! What I don’t love is decision fatigue and trying to decide at 5:00 pm what to make for dinner.

The first question I had to ask myself was, “What are my meal planning goals?”

The answer was to eat more vegetables, cut out convenience foods, keep healthy snacks, lunches, and breakfasts on hand, and avoid impulse buys at the grocery store.

It took some practice to find my rhythm, but after a couple of weeks I figured out which pantry and freezer items to keep on hand (tahini, maple syrup, quinoa, raw nuts, black beans, garbanzo beans, lentils, brown rice noodles, chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, frozen broccoli, frozen blueberries, etc.) and what could be prepared (chopped, soaked) in advance. “What’s for dinner?” became a question that was always on my mind in terms of staying aware of what needed to be prepped throughout the day, but I no longer felt stressed about it.

Prioritizing meal planning has turned drudgery into enjoyment! Not only does it help me nourish my family with a variety of colorful, plant-based nutrients, it also prevents waste and unnecessary spending. During fasting periods, having a meal plan in place for all the extra evening services and dietary modifications is particularly beneficial.

When feeling stuck or overwhelmed, pausing to identify stressors that can be reduced or eliminated through intentionality is such an energizing gift to yourself!  What new tweak to your schedule or habits would bless your week with increased calm and productivity?