Checking in

As I write this, fifty percent of my hands are covered in Psoriasis, my body is ravaged and I’m uncomfortable, to say the least. 

In 2018 I set out to write one blog a week for one year. This was a cathartic exercise, revealing my struggles with Psoriasis and mental illness and my love of family, music, food and how food has healed me. My last blog was released well over a year ago and, with so much happening in the world, I thought it was time to check-in. 

And, selfishly, I think writing will help me.  

I have always subscribed to the notion there is an opportunity hidden within every challenge, I’ve found a few while in quarantine; 

Time with my family 

Today, I’m in a very happy marriage. We have worked very fucking hard to get to this point, and we have flourished under these very stressful times. My kids (16 and 12) are collective pains in the ass at the best of times (tongue in cheek) but, under the circumstances, they’ve been a pleasure to be around. For the first time in, quite possibly, forever, we are playing card and board games as a family.  We are going for walks daily, working out together and enjoying the down time.

Time to organize 

Have you ever heard the saying; ‘you can’t work in your business and on your business at the same time”? Well, during the downtime we have organized the kitchen, the basement and the laundry room. It may not sound like a lot to you, to us, WOW. We are both as busy as all of you, who has time to reorganize?! Life has been nuts as of late, ‘free time’ hasn’t been in surplus. When life resumes to ‘normal’, whatever that will look like, at least we will be organized!

I’ve seen the good in people 

My friend Rick tweeted something the other day that resonated; ‘pandemics don’t build character, they reveal it’. I’ve marvelled at the number of heroes emerging, whether a superstar playing a free virtual concert or someone, like my friend Kari Hollend, who started a Facebook group ‘How Can I Help Covid-19 Toronto’ which garnered over 2000 followers in its first week. This group unites the people of Toronto to service fellow Torontonians. People are stepping up. 

I see my friends in the medical field as superheroes. I was always appreciative, but I seem to look at some people in a new light. Take, for example, my local butcher or grocery store or even the trash collector. A huge thank you to all those still working and putting our needs in front of their own. 

Another chance to give back

I learned the value of giving back long ago. The currency is the love I receive and that gets me through shitty situations. 

There are too many people, some with children, who cannot afford to put food on their table. Countless. We all need to do our part. There are a number of companies offering services which can also pay a service forward. Find them, do your part. 

Yes, this is a horrible situation. Yes, my skin is bad, and my body is ravaged. Yes, without question collectively this is playing with my mental well-being. I have managed to find the silver lining and I’m grateful for my (relative) health and will continue to help others and lead by example. I encourage you to find your silver lining. 

I guess the only remaining question is … do I have enough cannabis?! Thankfully, yes I do. 🙂

Now I feel better. 

In good health,

-Chef Jw.