FollowToday, I did something I haven’t done in a long time: I had brunch by myself. For a mother who craves quiet time, a meal alone is a rare luxury. With a heavy heart and a head full of worries, I sought refuge at Wong Zhi Kopi, our family’s favorite air-conditioned kopitiam, before tackling my grocery list.
It was there, in a quiet corner, that I ordered my favorite seaweed soup. It’s a simple, light dish with chicken fillet, seaweed, egg flower, Chinese cabbage, shredded carrots, and fish cakes. It’s the only dish I can finish entirely by myself, without a single spoonful being shared. As I sat there for an hour, I sipped my soup, watched the world go by, and let my mind rest from the usual troubles.
That simple, solo meal was a revelation. I could feel my mind lightening, the lingering heaviness of my worries momentarily pushed aside. The feeling was fleeting, I know, but it was enough. I left the kopitiam with a takeaway black bean beef rice for my mother-in-law, a saba bento for my daughter Sherilyn, and a happier heart for myself.
I’ve decided this is a ritual I need to adopt more often. This isn’t just about eating alone; it’s about making time for myself, about self-love. No one can love you as much as you can love yourself, and taking a moment to sit and just be, without having to share or care for others, is a powerful form of that love.
I might even do it again tomorrow. Perhaps I’ll head to La Juiceria for their healthy kids bowl—it’s the perfect size for me and a guilt-free indulgence. To me, this is more than just a meal; it’s a small but significant act of kindness to myself. I encourage you to find your own version of this, even if it means bending your budget a little. You deserve it.
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