Are Things Feeling Very Heavy These Days? Same Here.

It’s not just you!

If life has been feeling particularly heavy lately, you’re not alone. If you’ve been following me, you know I intentionally keep My Mindful Kitchen centered on what nourishes and sustains us—steering clear of the noise (a.k.a. politics) that fuels anxiety and distraction.

But in the last month, with everything from a sudden withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement to public policies that overlook key insights on habit formation and behavior change, I’ve felt a turning point. It’s becoming harder to talk about the power we have in our food choices without occasionally referencing the bigger conversations happening around us.

That said, this space will always remain focused on thinking that’s both constructive and joyful. So today, I want to share how I stay grounded and focused when it feels like the world is (literally) on fire.

The Power of Shaping Our Own Thinking

There’s a popular saying: where the mind goes, energy flows. For me, this concept is at the core of mindfulness. What we focus on grows.

I love a recent quote from Maria Shriver: “When the ground shifts, I found that the best thing to do is to go where the light is.”

Right now, it’s easy to feel powerless with so much negativity around us. But this is exactly when it’s most important to be mindful of where we put our energy. I’m choosing to focus on what I can do—building connections, staying true to my values, and taking action. And here’s what I’ve realized: there’s a lot we can do.

If you’re feeling the same angst, here’s what I’m doing—and what you can do too:

Small Actions, Big Impact

Support Local Food Systems I’m making it a point to buy more from local farmers, shopkeepers, and bakers—because now more than ever, knowing where our food comes from matters. 💡 What could this look like for you? Maybe it’s swapping a big-box purchase for something fresh from a local market—like meat or cheese—where you can meet the person behind your food. It might cost a little more, but every dollar spent locally strengthens your community and connects you more deeply with your values.

Recommit to Home & Kitchen Traditions Cooking at home gives me control over what my family eats while reinforcing our commitment to food made with love. 💡 What can this look like for you? Maybe it’s starting a new family tradition—like Friday pizza night, where everyone gets involved. And here’s the best part: pizza is a creative way to cut down on food waste. Leftover meat, cheese, and veggies? Boom—instant topping. It’s fun, resourceful, and a simple way to make a difference while making memories.

Reduce Food Waste with Creativity I’m committed to finding new, creative ways to prevent food waste—because it’s one of the most powerful actions we can take against climate change. 💡 What can this look like for you? Don’t think of reducing food waste as a chore—see it as an opportunity. Challenge yourself to get creative with leftovers, store food more efficiently, or plan meals with intention. Small shifts like these create a ripple effect, adding more meaning to your life while contributing to a culture of sustainability.

Break Free from the Doom Scroll I’m making a conscious effort to step away from the endless cycle of negative news and social media. Here’s why:
1️⃣ We compare ourselves to unrealistic ideals and feel like we’re not measuring up.
2️⃣ We get out of alignment with our own values.
3️⃣ We become overwhelmed, unsure of where to start or who to trust.
💡 My recipe for you? Focus on what strengthens your connections and aligns with your values. That’s how you break free from the overwhelm and step onto the path of a Mindful Foodie—empowered by the knowledge that every small action makes a difference.

Ready for the Shift?

The shift from feeling powerless to living with intention is at the heart of My Mindful Kitchen. If this message resonates with you, then I’ve done my job.

I invite you to join me on this journey—one filled with meaning, connection, and positive impact. Together, we can support and uplift one another while walking the path toward lasting change.

Sending you love, connection, and—of course—mindfulness. 💚

Want to learn more about how bringing mindfulness into the kitchen can bring more joy into your life?  Visit us at www.mymindfulkitchen.com.