What 43 years have taught me (so far)
Reflections from my life, and my kitchen
This week I turn 43, and with each passing year I’m reminded that life doesn’t hand you wisdom. Instead you gather it, moment by moment, mistake by mistake, joy by joy. So, in the spirit of reflection (and celebration), I’ve jotted down 43 lessons I’ve learnt.
Good food is best when shared, especially with laughter, stories and a little bit of wine.
You should add French butter to (almost) everything.
You don’t stumble upon good fortune, you create it one small step at a time.
Not every dish needs to be perfect. Sometimes the “wonky” flavours are the best.
Travel isn’t just about ticking places off a list, it’s about losing yourself in something different.
The skill of truly listening is hard to learn, but so worth it.
Get more sleep, you probably need it.
It’s never to cold to have a braai.
Gratitude turns simple meals into celebration every day.
Curiosity keeps you young.
You can wear denim on denim if you do it with confidence.
Forgiveness is warm.
Learning from failure is the recipe for true mastery.
Celebrating small victories is how you build a joyful life.
You never know what someone else is going through.
Listening to your body is as essential as following a recipe.
Patience is the best seasoning, for food and for life.
Every person you meet has a story worth telling, and worth hearing.
Simplicity often carries the richest flavours.
The best memories are made around the table. Or dancing on top of it.
Creativity thrives when you break the rules.
Laughter is the universal spice of life.
Try at least one new thing (i.e. hobby, cooking spice, corner cafe, walking path) every day.
Stop living for the weekend.
Exploration doesn’t always mean booking a flight overseas, it can be as simple as walking a different route to the corner shop.
Kindness to yourself is as important as kindness to others.
Every recipe has room for your own unique touch.
Food can build bridges.
Learn the perfect coffee order for your different moods.
Trust your instincts, both in cooking and in life.
It’s okay to ask for help; it makes the journey richer.
Celebrate the imperfections, they tell your story.
A warm kitchen can heal a cold heart.
You should call your mother more.
Put down your phone at dinner.
One midnight McFlurry won’t hurt you.
Spontaneity is essential in the kitchen (and everywhere else).
Age brings stories, and stories bring wisdom, cherish both.
Get a dog. In fact, get two dogs. I recommend a King Charles Cavalier if you don’t mind them taking over your life.
Perhaps most importantly, I’ve learnt that caring for others is an essential part of living a happy and purposeful life. So on my 43rd birthday I’m thrilled to officially launch the JAN Foundation, a heartfelt initiative dedicated to giving back to the elderly community. Through this foundation, we aim to provide companionship, dignity, and support to those who’ve paved the way for us.