The Best Advice I've Heard Lately (And What It Has to Do With Your Kitchen)

Make time for people.

When I read that sentence, I immediately paused. Such a simple thing, but it got me thinking for days.

Everyone longs for connection — real connection. But our busy lives often get in the way.

Between work, errands, activities, appointments, and the endless list of things that need our attention, connection often becomes something we hope will happen rather than something we intentionally create.

Maybe that's why the kitchen is such a good place to begin. It's already where we gather, cook, snack, talk, and move through the ordinary rhythms of life.

Make your kitchen a place of connection

There is something special about gathering around food.

A shared meal slows us down. It invites conversation. It gives us a reason to be together.

Try choosing one night each week for a special family dinner. It doesn't have to be fancy.

Let your children choose the menu. Let them decorate the table — even if that means a centerpiece made of toys or crayons.

Invite people into the process

If you're hosting friends, invite them into the process. Ask someone to help set the table. Have a guest bring their favorite dessert. Finish a recipe together. Ask a friend to chop the vegetables while the other pours everyone a drink.

Connection grows when people participate.

And when you're the guest, remember that connection isn't only created around the table. Offer to help clean up leftovers or load the dishwasher.

So here's my piece of advice

Make time for people.

And if you're not sure where to start, start in your kitchen — choose one meal, one evening, one open seat at the table. Then watch your kitchen become a place where people feel welcomed, known, and loved.