They can squash your spirits, these anxiety and depression things. It can be difficult to picture yourself improving, and genuinely moving forward across all aspects of your life. Being inspired is difficult at the best of times, but even more out of reach when any belief in yourself is all but gone. This is where listening to others, those you personally know or not, can be beneficial. Gaining an understanding of someone else’s vision for the future can be the perfect kick-starter for your own.

I should preface the rest of this post with a warning; it could turn into a straight up love fest.

May I introduce you to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. He is the author of many books, including this one:

To put it simply, he is a superstar in my eyes.

Yes, he studied (sorry, read) philosophy and psychology at Oxford. Yeah, he spent some time hanging out in Africa, working in conservation. And yes, he spent some time dabbling in journalism. The most interesting part of Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall for me, however, is how he combined all of these experiences, and partnered them with his passion for food. 

He is the man behind the ‘River Cottage’ movement (books/TV series/produce stores) in the UK, which proudly encourages grassroots farming and local, sustainable food production. The recipes which come out of the ‘River Cottage’ are grounded, accessible, and always delicious. They balance old-school, classic dishes with progressive, modern interpretations.

If I ever feel flat, frustrated or let down by the day, any TV show featuring Hugh (yep, I’m gonna go ahead and call him Hugh) brings a sense of calm and inspiration. This guy is so passionate about his vision, and is continuously working to improve the food world. What’s marvelous, is that his enthusiasm extends beyond what goes from pot to plate, and you can see the genuine love for the country life and all it offers. The perspective he brings is good for your mind, and even better for your soul.

So, to sum up, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is an example of wonderful. Full stop. Love fest concluded.