The biggest difference between people who enjoy cooking and those that ‘hate’ it isn’t skill level or ability.
It isn’t whether they have a state-of-the-art kitchen.
It isn’t the amount of ‘spare’ time they have.
Or the number of people they are feeding.
The biggest difference is their attitude towards cooking.
People like me who love cooking, see it as a pleasurable activity.
It’s something that brings a little joy to their day.
Whereas people who don’t enjoy cooking see it as a ‘chore’.
Or another task to complete.
Like taking out the garbage.
So which camp do you fall into?
If you’re already a cooking fan, keep up the good work!
If you’re someone who sees cooking as a chore, you’re actually in luck!
Todays lesson wil make a big difference to the enjoyment you get out of cooking.
My evil plan is to inspire you to start ‘reframing’ cooking.
We’re going to get you thinking about the whole activity in a fun way…
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN TODAY:
- 5 reasons to LOVE cooking
- 5 ideas to make planning, cooking and cleaning up fun
5 Reasons to LOVE Cooking
1. Cooking allows you to relax & unwind.
It’s my favourite time of day.
I love just being in the kitchen with my thoughts and my ingredients.
2. Cooking has a real physical outcome and end point.
So much of our work and productivity these days is geared towards outputs that we can’t see, smell and touch.
Like an empty email inbox.
I love knowing that at the end of my time in the kitchen I’m going to have plates of real, delicious food.
3. Cooking is a chance to ‘be in the moment’.
The older I get the more I realize how easy it is to be always thinking of the future.
Wishing my life away.
When I’m cooking I focus on being in the moment – a mini meditation session.
4. It can be a great way to show love and get lots of praise!
Cooking for my family and friends is one of my favourite ways to show my love.
Plus there are few nicer feelings than when someone has enjoyed your cooking and is generous with the praise.
5. Cooking is the best way to nourish yourself and your family.
Whatever your dietary preferences, cooking meals at home is the best way to ensure you’re using quality fresh ingredients that are going to provide optimum nutrition.
Without any nasties.
5 Ideas to Make Planning, Cooking and Cleaning Up Fun
1. Decide.
It’s up to you to choose.
Decide you’re going to be someone who loves or at least enjoys this process.
I used to hate cleaning up until I realized I could choose a different perspective.
Now I look forward to turning on a podcast or audio book, brewing a cup of tea and making my kitchen nice and clean.
2. Connect with your why
I’ve given you a list of reasons above, think about why you want to cook and eat well in the first place.
3. Add music!
Dancing in the kitchen is so much fun.
Turn on your favourite tunes before you put on your apron.
4. Add a nice beverage.
When I’m reviewing my meal plan, it’s usually nursing a cup of coffee.
When I’m cooking it used to be a glass of wine, but now days is either sparkling water or kombucha.
And when I’m cleaning up, it’s a nice cup of tea.
5. Share the fun.
I’m sure there’s a quote about couples that cook together staying together.
Your time in the kitchen cooking and cleaning can be just as great for conversation and connection as your time at the table or on the couch.
The meal plans are excellent for sharing.
I know lots of people who forward it to their partner so they know whats on the menu for the week ahead.
ACTIVITY
STEP 1. Decide to reframe how you think about cooking.
STEP 2. Think of at least 3 ways you could make meal planning, cooking and cleaning up fun (1 idea per activity).
STEP 3. Schedule a time to start implementing these ideas!
And share your plan in the comments below 🙂
Wow.
We’ve come to the end of our week long focus on meal planning.
What now?
1. If you haven’t already it’s time to download your first meal plan and get to it!
2. When you’re ready to take your learning to the next level, be sure to check out the 30-Day Kitchen Reboot Program that’s included in your membership.
Have fun in the kitchen.
It’s up to you to choose!
With love,
Jules x
ps. How have you found this Kick Starter program?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
I especially would love to hear if you have any ideas to make the training even better.
———————————
I already like to cook so I’m going to reframe my mindset to becoming a person who likes to cook things that taste good and are good for me. I’m going to try listening to music and having a cup of tea or maybe on the weekends a glass of wine while I cook?
That’s a great reframe Amy 🙂
Hi Jules,
What a great course. I am already a good cook and enjoy cooking. The part I struggled with was choosing what is for dinner. I would buy ingredients, especially vegges and then end up throwing them out cos I didn’t want to eat it anymore. My partner only eats very basic vegges, which are all the carby ones. He works away 7&7 so for one week I can follow your plan properly, the other week I am learning to adjust your plan. This week you have kofta’s. So I am making your bolognese following the mince theme. I don’t eat the pasta. I have already learned a lot and I am sure I will learn a lot more too. Thank you so much.
So glad you enjoyed Leonie!
Building this habit of meal planning is definitely going to help with the waste thing.
One thing – don’t feel like you ‘should’ be cooking all 5 different meals every week to be following the plan ‘properly’ – For most people combining one or two new recipes from the meal plan with some of their regular ‘go-tos’ works best.
Keep up the amazing work!
Hey Jules
What a great course – I have found it to be extremely interesting, informative and encouraging.
I am disappointed that the course has now ended but I look forward to implementing your advice by planning and cooking your wonderful healthy meals on a very regular basis.
As a new member I have only just started on this journey and am hoping that after a few weeks my confidence with cooking and providing really healthy nutritious meals for my hubby and myself will dramatically increase.
This last lesson has inspired me to look forward to & make being in the kitchen cooking a fun place to be even after a very busy and tiring day. I do enjoy listening to music so I’ll start with that idea as I think that will work for me.
I am very much a tidy tot so cleaning up after cooking really isn’t an issue for me – I’ve always lived by a couple of mottos (1) if it’s good enough to dirty it’s good enough to clean up (2) if it’s good enough to move then it’s good enough to put back where it belongs! There is a place for everything and everything has its place! This works for me although it does drive my hubby mad sometimes! ?
A huge thank you to you Jules for this course and all your encouragement and support. ?
So glad you enjoyed Jules!
And thanks for inspiring me – your comments about wanting to learn to be more confident with cooking have inspired me. I’m going to do a workshop in September specifically around helping people with that. It will be free for Simple Meal Plans members so will let you know when it’s happening.
For now just focus on implementing what you’ve learned.
Look forward to hearing what you cook!
Jx
Hey Jules.
I just thought I’d update you on the meals that I have cooked so far.
Last night I cooked the Cheesy Chicken and tonight I cooked the Chinese Beef and Beans.
Oh my gosh Jules they are both so delicious – I will certainly be cooking them both again at some stage.
I can’t believe that they were so easy to make and with so few ingredients were both so very tasty. I am so pleased I came across your website the other week – gosh who knows I might even up a good cook !! ?
You already ARE a good cook Jules! 🙂
Keep up the excellent work.
Jules, thank you for this wonderful class. There is no doubt it will work for me and a little more time will suture my new habits into place—plan Friday, shop Saturday, lots of grace.
I already love cooking. My Utah guy and I obviously show our love for each other in the kitchen. He brags on everything and helps very much. We make aperitifs with vodka and dandelion flowers (also violets, nasturtiums, and marigolds) that are always fun to get started with.
I also love your suggestions, many of which I’ve tried such as audio books and music, but now I’ll add them consciously. You can probably tell how much we like your recipes, definitely a big component of the ease you bring into the kitchen.
Just now I have a challenge ahead, which requires that I plan 2 weeks ahead. No problem. Here I go.
A million spring kisses from the northern hemisphere!
Gay
So glad you’re already having fun in the kitchen Gay 🙂
Enjoy that Spring weather!
Jx
Jules, your January Meal Plan Kick Starter is a game changer! I can’t get over how easy it is and how little time it takes, 30 min or less. Now several weeks in, I look forward to planning every Thurs, then trying a new recipe on the weekend when there’s more time. I’m starting to realize cost savings from eating out less and not overbuying groceries. One unexpected benefit I especially love is all of the freed up mental energy to focus on other things because meals are planned and I no longer have to think about ‘What’s for dinner?’ everyday.
I LOVE that you’re looking forward to meal planning Melanie – that’s the secret – making it enjoyable. Keep up the excellent work!
Jx
ps. Would you mind if I used your comments with your first name in my marketing?
Sure! Go right ahead.
I’m really happy I took this kick starter program. I’ve been using your meal plans and learning from your books and website for years, but it was nice to check back in and refocus. Thank you again, Jules!
You’re so welcome Marjorie 🙂
Thank you for an excellent course. My bete noire is cleaning at the end of a meal. I can usually manage clearing up as I go but once I’ve sat down to supper I want to linger over my meal. I think the onlyway i’m going to manage to enjoy that aspect is to make a hot drink while I put the last plates in the dishwasher and clean the surfaces then accept that the cups will have to be put in before I go to bed and turn the dishawasher on. That way it won’t be quite so hit and miss and I won’t be cleaning up right before I go to bed with the inevitable grumbling from OH.
Sounds like a great plan Linda 🙂
I started cooking with my Grandmother when I was six. The first thing I remember doing on my own was stuffing the Thanksgiving turkey (with a watchful eye over my shoulder!). My love of cooking has never waned. I have always felt it was the best way to provide comfort and show my family how much I loved and cared for them. I have several friends who don’t cook, or at least don’t like to, and not surprisingly, their family relationships are not the closest. They eat meals staggered, not around a communal table and have no traditions centered around food or holidays. Baking is my favorite aspect of cooking – creating beautifully decorated cakes, intricate top crusts for pies or mile-high biscuits creates such a sense of satisfaction and creativity. I have a large cookbook collection and read through them like others read novels! I incorporate many ideas into my cooking and enjoy the foods of many cultures. I’m looking forward to what I can glean from the Kitchen Re-boot.
Love it Linda 🙂
The interesting thing for me about this lesson is the enjoying cleanup. I have never minded cleaning up after myself when I’m cooking (I was single for most of my life, so that was necessary), but somehow I have issues with cleaning up when my husband cooks. I’m trying to figure out how to change my attitude. The best thing I can think of right now is that he deserves the cooking time as much as I do, and if he can clean up without complaining, I should be able to do likewise. I’ll work on getting my attitude fixed.
I struggle with the same when my Irishman cooks on Sunday nights – I’ve tried getting him to clean up his own mess and he ends up putting 2 things in the dishwasher and turning it on – So it’s the lesser of two evils for me to clean up after him.
If you’re doing 2 whole weeks, maybe you could experiment with whoever cooks also cleans up – as there’s no incentive to be economical with the mess if you have someone else cleaning up after you…
Or change your mindset about the exisiting situation – there aren’t many husbands who cook for 2 weeks at a time 🙂
Your last comment gave me a good laugh. I appreciate that my husband wants to keep up his skills. My best bet is to change my attitude, because there are too many nights when I am so exhausted after the day that I don’t have the energy to do cleanup. I actually have thought about the cook also doing the cleanup, but I think it’s better in the long run to share duties.
I’ve always enjoyed cooking something special or elegant but cooking dinner day in & day out is sometimes a challenge. I’m finding go-to meals help somewhat – thank you for that, Jules! I do meal planning on Fridays & order my groceries (for pick-up) at the same time. That has become much easier since I joined SMP. I’m going to add music to my cooking which should kick it up a notch. And while I like a clean kitchen, enjoying the process seems a stretch! But I’m willing to work at it & we’ll see…. This has been a big help. Excellent course! Looking forward to doing the 30 day kitchen reboot later in the month!
Oh wonderful Diane 🙂
And just play with the possibility of cleaning up being enjoyable – that’s the first step
Hi All,
I always felt I had to choose between food I didn’t like ( packaged/ fast/ entirely frozen) and food I loved ( delicious /good for my body/ difficult/ too time consuming. Jules I thank you forever for giving me meal recipes that can deliver enjoyment/ nuitrition and time for other things I love. Since I naturally cheered up when I started using meal plans, I naturally turned to classical music, which Spouse and I both love. We crank it up and yell things to each other while Im cooking and he is in his office ( teeny kitchen)
So happy to read this Ellen!
Especially the idea of cranking up the classical music – we love classical here as well 🙂
Would you mind if I used your comment on my website?
Jx
Thanks for the course. I got fed up with always being the one doing the washing up and not having a dishwasher so I tried two things. First, I timed myself to see how long the job really took and was shocked that it wasn’t anywhere near as long as I thought. Second I am trying to was up immediately after dinner, as leaving it up for hours makes the job more difficult after it’s all dried on the plates and pans.
I like meal planning and think of it as deciding how healthy we will be and what nutrients we need. I don’t mind cooking, it’s always been he clearing up bit I like least. So now I will have to think of something to make it more enjoyable. Perhaps a cup of my expensive tea, or some music.
Yes doing it sooner definitely makes it easy – and I LOVE the idea of expensive tea AND music to help the process Sue. I light candles in the kitchen as well 🙂
Love your program, Jules. You are such an inspiration for my Simplicity journey.
So happy to hear that Ann 🙂
I really enjoyed the course! I like to read recipes and learn about food, but not so much an hour before I want eat. It’s stressful. With the meal plans there no stress, but there is pleasure of the process. I’ve always thought I wouldn’t like to meal plan, but I like this. I’ve made 4 delicious meals. My husband is “afraid” ? of new flavors. I decided if he doesn’t like something there is alway PB&J. To my surprise, he has happily eaten everything and had seconds. That includes the lemon and olive salsa which I prepared with shrimp. Go figure! Next week’s healthy meals are all planned and ready to go! Thank you!
LOVE it Jessica!
Would you mind if I used your comment on my website with your first name? (especially the part about your husband 🙂
I just replied to you by email, but will post here as well:
Yes, absolutely! I went out on a limb tonight and made your Thai chicken curry. He walked in the kitchen and said “it smells strong”. I suggested he taste it. After determining it was safe, he proceeded to have two helpings. Ha! It was delicious!
So fun Jessica!
Sob Sob. Tis the end? What am I going to do with my days? 🙂 Loved it thank you, Jules. I wouldn’t change a thing. Just the right length, size, and content to keep people coming back for more.
So activities to make cooking fun?
1. planning: TV, liquorice tea with hubby
2. cooking: podcast, and sparkling tea.
3. cleaning: spotify and family members. They don’t know this yet. 😉
I want to do the Kitchen Reboot, but I am chomping at the bit to do your Low Carb Love.
Yuo made me laugh Bella – hope the family members are OK about the cleaning 🙂
I’d go with the Kitchen Reboot first – as it’s more comprehensive – but either will be good 🙂
Hey Jules,
Ah I see.
I am currently doing VLC eating, and my gut feeling says to transition to something more sustainable.
5g of carbs, feels amazing at the moment AFTER sugar/ carb/ diet coke withdrawal. yet
I question how I will feel about it in 12 months. 😉
Actually, maybe i could do both, as I have some time up my sleeve at the moment.
Would appreciate your thoughts.
B.
I’d focus on one or the other Bella –
I’m thinking go with Low Carb Love first.
5g carbs per day is pretty full on. And you can still have that amazing feeling with increasign to 20-50g but it will be much more sustainiable – it’s important to find something that you’re comfortable with that isn’t high carb.
Keep me posted on how you get on
Jx
Jules,
It is. There are many benefits about it. But I question the sustainability, and healthiness of it. Which is why i want to stay on the low carb path, but also feel happier that what i am doing is healthy.
To be honest I don’t count, I just follow a list which translates to 5g a day.
How to transition to 20 to 50 without counting, I am not sure how to do….but am looking for the next step.
Can I ask? do you count/ track? Is it rude to ask how many carbs you take in on average?
Cheers.
I don’t count either Bella. But I have used an app to track for a few days just to get a feel for it.
A lovely thoughtful wee course.
Glad you found it thoughtful Hannie 🙂
I decided to jump in the deep end and plan/cook from the meal plan for 6 days @ week (not just 1 as a starter). It has made such a difference to how I feel and think about cooking. I am actually enjoying it now and my family are reaping the rewards – the usual question at dinnertime: “is this another Stonesoup recipe? – yum”. And of course the health benefits of low carb cooking make it a winner! Thanks sooo much.
That’s awesome Sharon! IF you’re up for going all in then that perfect. Keep up the excellent work 🙂
You are a very good teacher. I used to be one myself. You are thorough, well-planned out, insanely knowledgable, and have a lovely sense of humor. You cheerlead pleasantly and covey a sense of wanting to help us be healthier. I really don’t think you need to change a thing.
That means a lot Ellen! Really appreciate your kind feedback 🙂
My plan: I am approaching meal planning with a cup of tea and the mindset that I’m engaging in a secret, creative mission; for cooking, definitely music and a bit of dancing; and, for the kitchen clean-up, celebration of a healthy meal and looking forward to a clean kitchen in the morning.
Sounds like a wonderful plan for making meal planning fun (especially like the secret mission idea!)
Just wondering if you could add something to the cleanup phase? I listen to an audio book or podcast. Or is the thought of the clean kitchen in the morning enough for you?
Am loving this, have chosen to cook at least one meal from your plan each week.
The idea of only six ingredients is life changing.
Thank you Jules!
Wonderful Norma! Yes 6 ingredients is the best 🙂
Keep going with your one meal per week.
(Also in response to the last few days of the kick starter, as it’s easier to just put it all in one comment rather than commenting individually)
I decided to use Sundays for planning, and placing my grocery order (I do my grocery shopping online, as I am often unable to go out and it will stop me from eating well). I ordered some extra things this time for the pantry, and ingredients for the upcoming meal plan week as far as I could find them. Here and there I tried to pick organic options, when I could. I used Out of Milk. I usually write down my lists on paper, but then I forget the paper, so I’ll give this a try.
As far as attitude towards cooking goes… It really does feel like a chore. I think it hangs together with my lack of appreciation for food. Putting in all that effort and time just feels wasted when it’s just me, and I know I’m going to have to do it again the next day, and the next day, etc. Money spent on food and ingredients always feels wasted when I know I could survive just fine on canned beans and cheap orange juice. I hope once I start liking and appreciating food more, I will be able to view cooking as part of having a good meal and feeling good, rather than a necessary chore to fuel my body for a few more hours. For now I will have to fake it until I make it, I think, while I try to establish a cooking habit. Music definitely helps, and is already an absolute must for me to even consider pulling out my portable stove.
I’ll admit the reasons you gave to love cooking don’t really resonate with me. I want them to, however. I don’t think I’m ready for a 180 perspective change just yet, but I’m doing my best to get there!
I’m almost done reading Foodist. I notice myself being skeptical here and there, but overall I do think it’s been a push in the right direction for me.
I think the kick start program is fine and approachable as it is! What really makes it shine is how you respond to comments in a very patient, positive and personal manner. That’s what’s really been keeping me motivated and engaged.
Over the course of the next week I will look into the 30 day program. Even though it’s just been a week, I am already noticing that I’m less hungry during the day, or shortly after meals. I really had no idea eating processed foods made such a big difference when it comes to feeling sated. I feel like I’m learning a lot, and I’m excited to keep learning more.
Lovely to hear from you Noa!
I was wondering how you’ve been getting on.
Glad you’ve got Sundays set aside for planning and ordering. Deciding when you’re going to do things is so powerful.
With your attitude to cooking I agree that it’s too much to go straight to loving it. For you a stepping stone approach will be more helpful. I’m not a huge believer in faking it until you make it – although it can work. I think finding something that is positive AND feels true for you in the present moment is a better way to tackle this.
I think we need to question your current thought that ‘I could survive just fine on canned beans and cheap orange juice.’
Yes you wouldn’t die straight away but would you feel as good as you could? Interesting that you’ve already noticed a difference in your hunger during the day. You’re not imagining it – the type of food you eat (not just how much) has a huge impact.
So I have some homework for you.
This week I want you to think about one reason why you could be better off if you switch from baked beans to cooking real food for yourself.
Leave another comment here and let me know.
Doing your best at the moment is amazing. Keep going. It’s all about baby steps.
Awesome that you’re learning lots!
Jx
PS. Thanks for your kind words about the kick start program 🙂
I re-read this. I never had responded.
I do need to reframe how I think about what I do in the kitchen. I do want music to be a part of it. I have misplaced the cord to my CD player. I should find a replacement cord, or find another way to get music in my kitchen.
I do want to eat better, and I know your recipes can help. I need to remind myself of that goal.
I want to keep all of this information in front of me, because I am overwhelmed with my daily responsibilities, especially with the needs of my son who has disabilities.
Thank you Jules for helping me think this through.
Cynthia
You’re so welcome Cynthia!
I’m glad you’re thinking it through. That is the first (and most challenging) step.
Just stay focused on cooking my simple recipes. That will make all the difference.
And free up mental space and energy for your other daily responsibilities.
And adding music too 🙂
Jx
This day reminded me to slow down and enjoy the act of cooking again. It turns into almost an act of meditation as I think about ingredients on hand, how to add different flavours and textures (and how to add carbs for my skinny husband). I tend to fall into templates for meals, so that there’s almost always some form of greens, onions and/or garlic, veggies, some form of vegetarian protein and lots of fat, often in the form of sauces made from pan scrapings, lemon or vinegar, and a splash of broth or wine. Thank you so much, Jules, for reminding me about the pleasure of preparing food.
You’re so welcome Jordan!
This is really the most important lesson in the program 😉
Well, to be honest, Charles is my grown, disabled son (age 30.) I am his mom, of course. With his recent diagnosis within this past year.. I am “setting him up” (hoping to) with easy tutorials so you, Jules, can help him as long as you’re in business… I plan a long life ahead for him and me in which time I hope he’ll enjoy watching your tutorials and keep up the good work!
I’m planning to live until I’m 122 and planning to continue meal planning and writing recipes until the end Kris!
Love that you’re setting Charles up in such a positive way 🙂
Jx
Well, Charles&Kris, we have some similarities! We are both mothers of sons named Charles who have disabilities! I live in the state of North Carolina, in the US. My son is 20. Where do you live?
Oh Cynthia!
That’s lovely that you both have a Charles 🙂
I lost what joy I used to find in cooking. I cannot see the point of it.
I need to lose 1/3 of my current weight and I am overwhelmed by often contradictory nutritional and dietary info: keto vs low carb; fruit: yes/no?; yoghurt, cheese: yes/no; carrots, bananas: yes/no?
I have lost track of what I like and how to tweak it to get where I want to get.
This is where I hope your programs are going to help.
Hi Gone2Seed
I’m sorry to hear you’ve lost the joy of cooking.
This is an excellent place to start.
Instead of thinking about your weight loss goals and all the contradiction around dietary info I’d recommend focusing on reconnecting with your joy of cooking first. Write a list of why cooking used to be fun and why it could be fun again for you.
And then work on the weight stuff. I’d recommend trying my Low Carb Love program next. It will simplify nutrition for you.
But only once you’ve allowed yourself to have some fun in the kitchen first.
You can do it!
Jx
I really like the take-away (pun intended) of Day 7. One of the big reasons I bought into this program is that I need to be jolted out of my easy but boring choices about what to cook when I am staring at my fridge at 6pm! I have explored only some of the amazing variety of options on this site & I really needed the reminder about making it fun. Thank you.
I love a good pun Heather!
Cooking really can be fun – you just have to decide to see it that way 🙂
This 7-day process has been great, even though it was broken up for me as I returned to Canada towards the end after 5 1/2 months in Mexico. I have been a member for a while but have not taken advantage of all there is on the site and only randomly–busy with other things (even in retirement), but I really want to cook simpler meals as I work towards a more minimalist lifestyle. All that requires planning, especially to keep the contents of the fridge/freezer and pantry more streamlined. Buying groceries without pre-planning means ending up with many things that never get used and we especially have to be more conscious of that since we spend only about 6 1/2 months at home each year. Before I left Mexico I planned our next week with 3 meals from one of the weekly menus and when we shopped yesterday, after a 24-hour trip home (and were really sleepy), I had my list ready. The roast broccoli last night was easy and delicious and tonight we had the Asian coleslaw. Tomorrow is a frittata. Thank you for doing this mini program and for getting me back to a place to where I want to be with our food prep and healthy eating.
You’re welcome Lynne!
And so glad it had the desired effect.
I love Mexico – you’re very lucky to spend so much time there!
Keep an eye out for the next program – the 30-day Simple Kitchen Reboot – it’s going to be a similar thing to help people simplify more than just meal planning
Jx
This series has been kind of fun – and gotten me to think more about meal planning, cooking, and cleanup. I’ve realized that meal planning is fun because it gives me something pleasant to anticipate. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, probably for the same reason. Cleanup has just always been part of the process, but now that I’m doing it when my husband cooks, I’m finding I need an attitude adjustment.
Your comment about cooking being a time to live in the moment was interesting. I’ve got about 30 years on you, and I find that I’m now much better at living in the moment. I want to enjoy whatever time I have left (since the best part of my life started about 10 years ago), and I’ve learned that staying active and interested in whatever I’m doing is insurance for a better, healthier, and long future. I think that being future oriented at your age is normal; perspective just changes as you age.
LOVE it Susan… And so glad to hear the best part of your life is happening now. I hope I feel the same way when I get there (although pretty sure I will)