Nourishing Connections: How Sweet Treats Bind Us Together

Working Relationships are Supercharged by Snacks

I just returned from a conference in Texas where thousands of higher education professionals converged on San Antonio, Texas, for a week of networking and education.  One thing stands out amidst the flurry of activity: the power of snacks. Amidst the bustling days filled with coffee, cookies, cakes, pastries, and yes, even meals, it's the brief moments shared over a treat that linger in memory.

Snacks in the office kitchen aren't just about fueling up; they're about forging connections. They serve as catalysts for relationships. Rather than grabbing coffee from the kitchen and hustling back her desk, Sue shares a funny tale from her childhood with Mike because the raspberry-almond coffee cake takes her right back grandmas kitchen on a warm spring day. recounting his recent adventure of raspberry picking with his kids. In just a few minutes, their working relationship solidifies, strengthened by shared laughter over a sweet indulgence.

Snacks often take center stage at team meetings, creating natural breaks that allow participants to gather their thoughts, refocus, and recharge. You know how this works. You step away for just a moment:

• to view the selections (reengaging your visual synapsis with something new),

• take in the colors and textures (engaging your right brain),

• reaching out (moving any part of your body feels good), and

• taking a bite (allowing your tastebuds to make connections with your past or just say YUM). Then

• you refocus on the task at hand, refreshed and ready to contribute.
  

In this environment, snacks become more than sustenance; they become a facilitator of collaboration and teamwork. 🤓😎Moreover, taking moments to indulge in a sweet treat or energizing snack can boost morale and rejuvenate tired minds, leading to increased productivity and overall job satisfaction.

Having experienced the transformative power of treats for teams, I started Sweetgrass Bakes with business baskets - catering meetings and sending treats for the office kitchen!

When Life's a Party

At home or out on the weekend, sweet treats take on a deeper significance, serving as vessels for cherished memories and family traditions. Whether it’s sharing cookies or gathering around the dinner table for a Sunday dinner and desert (with games - if you are in my family), these culinary rituals bind families together and create lasting bonds. In a world marked by constant change, these timeless traditions provide a sense of stability and belonging.

My family is like many, we don't all live in the same town, so getting together is always special. When my daughter, grandson and her boyfriend head to Colorado to see my son and his family, we choose where we will go for a sweet treat. One of our favorite spots is a Korean bakery, TOUS les JOURS, in Westminster. It's close to a park, so we grab treats and head over to play.

Going out for treats is a ritual that creates a common bond for us. Baking the deserts for our post meal games is a family affair. In fact, the COOKIE THAT STARTED IT ALL, Cherry Chocolate Love Bites, was a family affair. My sister supplied the recipe and we all tested the recipe with the kids eating a bunch of chocolate kisses before they were able to be placed on top.

My Grandkids Testing a New Cookie Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Love Bites - the cookie that started it all.

The act of sharing a treat is special. Even the word treat (not snack or dinner or caster oil) speaks to the moment....it's about slowing down and savoring something special. In my family's case it's about physically slowing down but talking fast, making YUM sounds and gesticulating wildly with our arms and sharing bites of whatever we have.

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology often serves as a barrier to genuine connection, the simple act of sharing a treat becomes a powerful reminder of the importance of human interaction and presence.

Slowing Down to Spark Creativity and Well-Being

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s essential to take a moment to slow down and savor the sweetness of life. In a culture that glorifies busyness, the act of pausing to enjoy a snack or indulge in a sweet treat becomes a radical act of self-care. By embracing moments of stillness and mindfulness, we create space for creativity and well-being to flourish.

When we slow down and engage our senses, we open ourselves up to new ideas and perspectives. Whether it’s savoring the delicate flavors of a homemade dessert or marveling at the beauty of a perfectly plated dish, these moments of mindfulness awaken our senses and stimulate our imaginations. In this state of heightened awareness, creativity flows freely, unencumbered by the distractions of daily life.

Food and sweet treats serve as more than just sustenance; they are vehicles for human connection, creativity, and mindfulness. Whether it’s sharing a snack with colleagues at a meeting or eating indulgent cookies with loved ones at home, these culinary experiences nourish our bodies and souls, fostering bonds that enrich our lives in meaningful ways. So let us take a moment to slow down, savor the sweetness of life, and embrace the connections that bring us together.