Hello Friends,

I wrote some time ago and mentioned that I was suffering from severe depression about a year ago. The most important part of the healing was going to culinary school for almost a year.

The days would start as early as 7 a.m. and I would clean and iron my uniform to make sure mine was the neatest amongst my fellow chef-students who were as young as 17 years old. Most of my classmates were 10 years younger than my kids!?
​
Yup, so it was tough physically as well, as I needed to carry really heavy stuff in a kitchen that can be hazardous. As I look back, while it was tough, it was worth the while. Anything worth doing is worth doing well. I believe I did well.
​
I wrote a comic cookbook for those who want to cook with their kids. You can get a copy if you like by following the link:
​https://market.allgifted.com/can-i-lick-spoon-ma​

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐀 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

Depression is an insidious foe, casting a long shadow over every aspect of one's life. When the doctor diagnosed me with severe depression almost a year ago, I found myself ensnared in its relentless grip.

I decided not to just sit around and wallow. It took me only 10 minutes to decide to fulfill my 20-year-old dream of studying at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu. This decision, born out of desperation, would ultimately become my salvation, guiding me on a transformative journey of recovery.

Amid depression's bleak landscape, it can be challenging to muster the energy for even the most basic daily tasks. The persistent cloud of melancholy envelops you, leaving you feeling utterly helpless. It was during these trying times that my daughters, witnessing the toll depression was taking on my life, decided that something needed to change. They insisted that I pursue a passion I had for as long I have had them—cooking and baking.

The Youngest One decided it is cuisine course that made the most sense for me.

Le Cordon Bleu, a renowned culinary institution steeped in tradition and excellence, beckoned like a distant beacon of hope. I took the plunge, not fully comprehending the profound impact it would have on my life. While immersing in a culinary school curriculum full-time provided a refuge, a sanctuary from the storm of my emotions, it was also a really difficult journey as I learned the ropes alongside teenagers who were preparing to get into the industry. In the end, I embarked on a culinary journey that spanned almost a year, completing all three levels (basic, intermediate, and superior) of LCB's cuisine courses.

The intensity of Le Cordon Bleu's training demanded my complete attention and dedication. It left me with little room for the intrusive thoughts that had dominated my mind for far too long. The rigors of the kitchen, the precision of technique, and the pursuit of culinary perfection became my focus. In those moments of immersion, I found respite from the relentless grip of depression.

Each day spent within the hallowed halls of Le Cordon Bleu was a revelation. The act of ensuring my chef uniform was spotless, in addition to creating, experimenting, and sharing culinary creations with fellow students and chefs ignited a spark within me. It was a feeling of accomplishment, something I had yearned for but had been unable to attain in the depths of despair. Cooking became not just a skill but a lifeline—an anchor that kept me grounded in the present and the promise of a brighter future.In the end, not only did my French culinary skills flourish, so did my desire to give back. The culinary world had become my refuge, and I wanted to share its therapeutic power with others who might be struggling as I once did. I embarked on a mission to encapsulate my newfound expertise in a book dedicated to Asian treats. This project allowed me to merge my love for cooking with my passion for helping others find their way out of the darkness.

Today, I am thrilled to announce the completion of my comic book on Asian treats, a labor of love that reflects my journey from despair to delight. A book I hope will bring hours of joy for parents and teachers to work together in the kitchen. I am offering a limited number of free copies of my book. All I request is that those who wish to explore the world of Asian treats cover the shipping and handling costs. If you are curious to delve into the world of Asian cuisine and explore the diverse flavors, I invite you to get a copy of my book. These are recipes that were verbally passed to me.

Together, we can share the gift of cooking and the profound healing it offers. Thank you for always being a part of my journey, and may it inspire you to embrace the culinary world's boundless possibilities and find your path to recovery and delight.

And, if you know of teachers who teach cooking in schools, please ask them to consider using my book as a text. I will be glad to guest-teach the classes if they do so.

Please register your interest with the link:

Best Regards,

Pamela Lim.