A simple cookie

A chocolate chip cookie, no matter how large, is not going to solve the world’s problems. I know that it cannot fix the fact that I missed a meeting with my supervisor earlier today, much less undo the tremendous damage caused by a madman thousands of miles away. It is just a simple confection, composed of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, dotted with chocolate and adorned with cacao nibs and sea salt jewels. It contains no magical ingredients or powers.

That does not mean, however, that the cookie is superfluous. The act of making the dough – the ‘old-school’ way, using only a bowl and a spoon – invokes a sense of purpose while conveniently burning off nervous energy. Watching the shaggy dough transform into a golden disk adds to the serenity and provides an aura of accomplishment, a sliver of order and control exercised in a chaotic universe.

The cookie does not change anything about my current circumstance, but as others have said before, making it offers a brief respite from my worries. The act of cooking and baking can serve as a ‘reset’ button, clearing away negative thoughts and providing an opportunity for more constructive and happier thinking. While baking should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health services, indulging in the process can lift your mood. I have used baking as a creative outlet for years and while my waistline might be smaller if I stopped pursuing this hobby, I know I would be less happy. Here’s to the joy a simple cookie can bring.