An “old soul”…

Have you ever heard this expression? It is said that when you seem to have a connection to the past that you are an old soul. Looking back that could explain many of my tendencies even in my youth. One of my siblings once said I’d be 50 before I was 20. At the time, to me it meant that I just wasn’t very cool. Well, that statement has followed me throughout my life as somewhat of a criticism even if it might have some truth to it. Through the years I often found myself replying to no one – well then, when I’m 50 I guess I’ll act more like a 20-year-old. I don’t think that happened.

I’m now way past 50 but do seem to be going a little backwards in my interests. Gardening, preserving food, cooking from scratch and learning skills from days gone by that make us less dependent on today’s conventionally obtained foods and supplies. A little more self-sustaining, preparing for a healthier future.

Do you ever look to the early years of our country, maybe not too early, but like the days of our grandparents or great-grandparents? I’m so grateful to be alive in the time of indoor plumbing, electricity and HVAC systems! But may be drawn to what appears to us today as simpler times. I saw both my mom and grandmothers cook from scratch and preserve food. My dad loved to grow a vegetable garden, but somehow, I missed out on how they did it.

Today through technology we can glean many skills from others, some are much younger teaching themselves, and some have many years of experience. They take the time to teach what they know and what they are learning. It’s amazing!

Being an old soul has created in me a desire to pass on what I’m learning. Especially those things that came from hard times, struggles and adversity. Somehow that’s where the deeper lessons have come from. I found the Lord through eight hard years of infertility, learned how to prepare healthier food through struggles to lose weight and be more active. And have even found strength to stand firm when facing temptation and opposition to healthier choices.

Some may define old soul as being wise and gracious beyond your years, the ability to see the bigger picture, going against the status quo, even feeling a bit of an outsider. A few of those I can relate to. Do you? It’s nice to find another old soul to connect with.

The Kitchen Mentor evolved from this desire to connect with others struggling to let go of years of poor habits and build new skills for a healthier life. A life with vitality! So, whether you are an old soul or a new soul we hope you will find at The Kitchen Mentor education, inspiration and motivation to grow healthier families with less stress and more joy.