The Forgotten Connection
written by: Maria DeRosa
I have always believed that food is more than what we put on our plates—it is our medicine, our energy, our memory keeper, and our bridge to nature. And yet, in today’s world, so many have forgotten this truth. We rush through meals, rely on convenience, and rarely stop to ask: What is this food truly giving me?
When I look at our society, I see a deep hunger—not only for nutrients but for connection. We’ve lost the rhythms that once grounded us. Families used to cook together, gardens flourished in backyards, and meals were slow, shared, and sacred. Today, many feel depleted, distracted, and disconnected. It’s no wonder that clarity, focus, and health are slipping away.
This isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about our future. Healthy food fuels a healthy mind. When we nourish ourselves with fresh, wholesome, and seasonal foods, our brains fire with creativity, clarity, and resilience. When we don’t, we live in a fog. And in times like these, with so many changes unfolding in our world, clarity is not a luxury—it’s essential.
Nature has always been our greatest teacher. Think about the simple joy of tending a small herb garden. Mint for digestion, rosemary for memory, basil for calming the spirit. These aren’t just plants; they are allies. They remind us that healing and wisdom grow quietly in the soil, waiting for us to return. Even the smallest act of planting a seed can reconnect us with cycles greater than ourselves—patience, trust, and renewal.
The overlooked truth is this: our greatest resource for resilience in uncertain times is not found in a pill, a screen, or a shortcut. It’s found in the soil, in the kitchen, and in the way we choose to fuel our bodies every single day.
So what should we prepare for?
Not just emergencies or shortages—but for the opportunity to reclaim what we’ve lost. Start small. Plant an herb pot on your windowsill. Cook a family recipe with your children or grandchildren. Choose one day a week for a slow meal, phones away, gratitude at the table. These small rituals are revolutionary.
The world needs more people who are awake—clear-minded, grounded, and compassionate. And that begins with how we nourish ourselves. Food is not separate from the health of our communities or our planet. Every bite is a vote for the future we want to see.
As I often say, “The kitchen is not only where meals are prepared—it is where healing begins.” Let us not overlook that the greatest change we can create in the world might just start with the next seed we plant, or the next meal we bless with love.
- The Forgotten Connection - January 10, 2026
