Contentment

After an exhausting weekend, I am feeling very content at this moment. My only evening with no plan this week, I'm kicking my feet up after cooking, dinner, and now watching my guilty pleasure show - "the Bachelorette". I know the show is corny, unreal, all planned, etc., but hey, it is my free night for myself, I get to enjoy whatever I want...

Easy as that, my attempt of the one Vietnamese dish this week turns out great. Braised catfish with pork belly. It's supposed to be in a clay pot. Even though I don't have one, it still looks pretty tasty, doesn't it?

The power of a delicious meal. The satisfaction of being able to put together a quick and tasty dinner for myself. I'm happy. I'm relaxed. I'm not thinking too much (opposite of such a busy mind I had all day). And that is contentment. I realized the new path I have started a few months ago hit a snag. I'm not all "healed" and  all strong again just yet. The dark moments can still creep out of nowhere - unannounced. But at least I have nights like this, when my favorite activities put a smile on my face.

I can see it through and through now how much of an Introvert I am. I recharge by alone-time. I don't shy away from group, socializing, or what not, but definitely, I need my me-time. It's not about being lonely. It is about enjoying my time alone so I can be more energetic and confident afterward.