What Does ‘Homemade’ Mean to You?
Paul White's nationally distributed syndicated column, “What Does 'Homemade’ Mean to You?” is published in 22 publications across seven states. This includes the following newspapers and digital publications: Midland Daily News (MI), SFGate (CA), Seattle PI (WA), Connecticut Post (CT), Laredo Morning Times (TX), Huron Daily Tribune (MI), The Telegraph (IL), and more. In this article, Paul explores the word homemade, and the phrase, "Happiness is homemade." The following delivers the ingredients to perfect the recipe of homemade happiness so you can receive consistent joy and those you share happiness with.
What does "homemade" mean to you? First thought most people have would be something that was made from scratch according to a specific, somehow personal recipe. When restaurants utilize the term “homemade” they want us to believe that the food was prepared lovingly and with great care (not rushed) using a tried-and-true recipe that only they can deliver. Why? Because the word "homemade" instantly provides a warm feeling of joy, family, happiness and love from the moment we see or read it. That feeling gets emphasized by our sense of smell, and emphasized again with the visual presentation, if what we smell and see even remotely reminds us of the warm feelings generated by memories of prior experiences.
The definition of homemade as an adjective is: made in the home, on the premises or by one's own efforts. Hmmm, by one’s own efforts. Now we’re getting to the meat and potatoes of this word that marketers love to toss at us. If I told you I just made some homemade biscuits and gravy, homemade strawberry preserves, homemade brownies, homemade dressing to stuff that turkey with, homemade key lime pie, homemade sourdough bread, homemade cherry cobbler, or homemade chocolate chip cookies, would any of those generate warm feelings for you? If you’re beginning to get hungry then the use of the word "homemade" allowed you to paint a word picture in your head of what you anticipated you would smell, see and taste. You’re already able to experience joy just based on reading the word homemade. That’s powerful.
Decades ago, biscuits, brownies, cakes, cobbler, bread, cookies, preserves and stuffing were all made from scratch – by one’s own efforts. It took time. Lots of time. But making something from scratch offered a feeling of accomplishment. You had created it and you owned it. And then you shared it and provided others with warm feelings of goodness and love. And that brought you lasting joy.
Today, everything I mentioned above is available in a box. Most of the boxed items aren’t even close to tasting like what used to be created by one’s own efforts and it’s near impossible to smell, see and taste the love when it comes from a box. But it’s fast. And we currently live in a society where speed is the most important factor in our decision making. We’re willing to relinquish the love, feeling of accomplishment and joy of sharing something we created with others for convenience.
The change that has occurred where we have moved totally away from homemade is clearly evident if you attend a potluck dinner for any reason. The desserts are all purchased ready to eat from a store. Pizza purchased from a pizza franchise. Chicken purchased from KFC or the deli counter at the grocery store. Pasta salads and more pre-made and purchased from a store. Literally nothing was made from scratch, nor with love, by one’s own efforts. So, is any of this important? Maybe! And why am I deep down this rabbit hole of thought? Here’s why.
I recently saw two plaques that got me to thinking deeply about the word “homemade.” The first said "Enjoy your life! Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be!" The second plaque said: "Happiness is homemade." Seeing both of these plaques really got me thinking about their meaning and intent. The first indicates that we actually have an opportunity to choose happiness using that incredible brain we all have. We just need to choose wisely. The second goes back to the meaning of the word homemade and how our happiness can be created and nurtured by one’s own efforts. Sure it might take a lot more time and a lot more effort, but you are so worth it. If you’re wasting time shopping at the store looking for packaged happiness, the results will be devoid of love, accomplishment, warm feelings and will provide you with a processed life that resembles processed food! No freshness, no nutrients, no real value other than a poor substitute feeling of fullness that offers minutes of slight satisfaction rather than a lifetime of happiness.
For your happiness to be homemade, you need to reserve adequate time and develop a recipe that includes core ingredients like love, compassion, kindness, caring for others, being loyal and trustworthy, self-love, self-accountability, self-responsibility, listening skills, personal character, being neighborly and being a giver and a helper. Toss in your own personal faith and beliefs and now you have a recipe for happiness that can effectively be handed down for generations regardless of the packaged box of joy that marketers will continue to toss at us, tempting us with the shortcut of convenience that is, at best, a poor substitute for what we’re able to achieve “by one’s own efforts.”
Happiness can be homemade, and you have the ability, through time, attitude and effort, to perfect the recipe so it delivers consistent joy to you, and those you share your happiness with, until the end of time. If your first attempt isn’t what you want it to be, don’t change the ingredients. I’ve given you the right ingredients. Since all of us are unique, just change the proportions until you find the recipe that works best for YOU and for the people you love. Then enjoy the banquet of happiness that is spread before you. Now get busy, take action, and remember – I believe in you! So, GiddyUp!
In addition to being a nationally syndicated columnist, Paul White is an author, motivational and inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, podcaster, and life coach located in Midland, Michigan. He offers self-help and culture development to start your journey towards consistent growth and joy. If you’re interested in getting in touch with Paul, please submit an inquiry via our Contact Page.