Three Ways to Manage Your Appetite in the New Year
I took a bite. The meal prepared before me was one of my favorites, full of flavor and nuances of spice. In fact, I constructed this dish intentionally because of the flavors that meld together to create a satisfying dish.
To much disappointment, as I pulled the fork out of my mouth, no matter how long I chewed or attempted to clear my congestion, I had lost my taste and with it the enjoyment of the moment.
It is when you lose something that you become all the more aware of how much joy it brought you in hindsight.
You and I both know this well. We all have experienced loss and a deep longing for what was ‘back when’. Those losses lead us into deeper longings, don’t they? As we head into the new year, let us pause, reflect, and take equal note of our losses and longings as well as the appetites behind each desire.
I’m not a huge fan of resolutions. To me it feels like they are made to be broken, but I do love reflection questions and growth goals to work towards each year. So, this year, I’m evaluating my appetite:
How can I acquire an appetite for the new?
How can I enhance my appetite for that which is truly valuable?
How can I regulate my appetite so that it is sustainable?
Photo Cred: Overflow Creative Studios
Acquiring an Appetite
To start, I’m asking:
What is something I want to acquire an appetite for that in the past has been left unattended or undeveloped? Is it a hobby? Is it a discipline? Is it a relationship?
What is there in my life that I want to explore in a new way?
What area of my life do I want to acquire an appetite for that I know is beneficial for me?
In order to acquire an appetite for something new, we must first make time for it. Therefore, I am prioritizing more one on-one-time with each child during bedtime routines, and my husband on a regular basis. I am also setting aside time to read 10 pages a day, to pray in silence each morning, and move my body for at least 20 minutes a day.
Even when I don’t feel like it, the more I establish a rhythm around the areas that I want to add in my life, the more my appetite will grow for those areas. Simply said: make time for what is important.
So, what is that for you? Write it down.
Enhancing an Appetite
It’s fascinating that in any cooking class I’ve taken, the chef emphasizes one spice consistently known to enhance flavor: salt. It is no coincidence that the journey of the Christian faith is likened to pursuing a salty way of life, for it is distinguishable and leaves you thirsty for more.
I’ve decided this year I want to focus on not rushing. I desire quiet and slow, which is not my natural demeanor. But when I do, I notice that a slower pace allows me to savor and taste that which is good: a conversation, a meal, an experience. Slow has become like salt for me.
When the rush calms and the quick slows, my appetite becomes more satisfied. I think that’s why we are constantly reminded to not rush through a meal. When we savor it with enough time, it is altogether nourishing.
So, I’m asking:
What are those areas I want to savor more this year?
Where can I intentionally stop rushing?
What morning, afternoon, and evening each week can I keep slow intentionally?
So, what is that for you? Write it down.
Regulating an Appetite
Up until now we have talked about how to acquire an appetite and how to enhance an appetite, but recognizing our appetites aren’t always for what is best is necessary. Regulating includes setting up parameters and controls around that which tempts to satisfy us, but continues to leave us hungry.
Regulating is a means to consistency and pruning. It’s a process of reassessment along the way and a freedom to say no and yes depending on the desired outcome. Regulating directly corresponds with sustainability.
So, I’m asking:
What is an obstacle to my appetite for slow?
What is one habit or routine that needs to be eliminated altogether to allow my appetite for other things to develop?
What would my life look like if I finally let go of that one thing in order to gain or enhance a more beneficial appetite?
So, what is that for you? Write it down.
Now that my taste is slowly returning, I can assure you I’m eager to savor my meals. Here’s to a year of savoring the good and developing an appetite for that which truly nourishes and satisfies. Cheers!
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!” Psalm 34:8 ESV