Cooking for Mental Health

I have to say something about changing my eating has sparked a new interest in cooking. It could also be that I can create something lovely, pampering, and maybe even indulgent looking amidst all the chaos here. Perhaps I feel the need for feeding my soul/emotions as much as my stomach. I think instead of reaching for a "treat" to reward myself for a hard day or upset, I am moving towards cooking. Yesterday I made Tabouli from scratch. There was something so fulfilling about stirring those finely hand chopped veggies into the grain that I had soaked until soft. I loved seeing the green of the pepper, the circling onion bits, and the bright red of the tomatoes all glistening from the carefully measured oil. Yes, I did have oil--actually more than I would have normally allowed because I also lightly fried the falafel in oil. I wonder if I can make falafel without oil? Anyway, I just felt so great after making that meal. A strange sense of contentment from this one accomplishment carried me through even the most overwhelming feelings of despair as I worked at unpacking and sorting today.