[LiteraryLark]

What is it called and what does it mean or say about you when you are passionate about something and are really good at something but you have no desire to do it for a living? Is it really just a hobby? Calling it a hobby makes it seem like such an ordinary thing.

Cuz for me, cooking is more than just a hobby. It's an experience that makes me glow from the inside and out. It nourishes my body but also my mind and soul. I use all my senses when I cook and I am becoming quite an exceptional chef. The possibilities of what I can do in the kitchen are endless. And it's changing my life.

I've never spoken openly about this before, but for many years I've silently struggled with anorexia. It is considered atypical because I am overweight (which is due to medication not food) and have bouts of emotional binge eating, but I have always loathed my body and appearance and struggled with weight loss for years.

The only time I'd eat was in front of people, like at the dinner table with family and friends, but that's about the only time I would eat. Since I've lived on my own, someone close to me would message me twice a day to remind me to eat and she would have me call her on my lunch and have me let her know that Im eating. She also encouraged me to start cooking meals.

I realized that I have some superpowers in the kitchen. Im great with spices, and I like getting creative with dishes and making it artistic and put craftsmanship into my dishes. And of course, I eat what I cook. It has really become a full circle thing. Im passionate about cooking and I look forward to preparing and eating what I cook.

I just felt I really needed to share that today.

[mote.of.soul]

What is it called and what does it mean or say about you when you are passionate...

In that case I'd call it a 'passion'. You're passionate about cooking LL. As for not wishing to do it for a living - well, that's just personal choice, nothing else. There's a lot of people who have passions and hobbies but have 'regular' jobs as well. I don't know what else to say...🤔👍

[mote.of.soul]

Oh, and the fact that you have an eating disorder could mean it's a wise choice to play your cards carefully when it comes to cooking/eating - I'm assuming, speculating.

[Mountaindewed]

I have read/heard that people with anorexia love to cook for other people. I had a boss at my old job who everyone swore was anorexic and she was always bringing us in food she had cooked. Not sure if she really was anorexic because people at my job gossiped a lot.

[Blueberrybook]

Cooking could be considered a hobby, passion, etc. I've heard a lot of people with EDs tend to like cooking for others, but I was never that way, so it definitely depends on the person.

[SquarePegGuy]

For those in the world of autism, it's called "Special Interest," but considering what forum we're in, I think that's off-the-mark.

I think the following statement of yours is wonderful; good for you!

I realized that I have some superpowers in the kitchen. Im great with spices, and I like getting creative with dishes and making it artistic and put craftsmanship into my dishes. And of course, I eat what I cook. It has really become a full circle thing. Im passionate about cooking and I look forward to preparing and eating what I cook.

Thank you for sharing!