Cooking is a creative endeavor—just as much as visual arts, music, writing, etc. It can satisfy the same urges, express the same feelings, and become just as all-encompassing.
And likewise there’s a lot of gatekeeping. Don’t stop because somebody told you that you don’t have the right equipment, or that “you’re doing it wrong”, or because your first attempts didn’t turn out the way you hoped.
Be playful. Throw together things you know you like and see what happens. Recipes are merely the sheet music—cooking is jazz. There are no failures in cooking, only learning experiences.
Find guides who aren’t triggering. For me it’s watching videos from creators who don’t take themselves too seriously and who are thoughtful about their ingredients and simple in their process. Some people go to recipes online or wonderfully illustrated cookbooks. Some want scientific understanding of how different ingredients interact with heat and pressure. Some folks are inspired to recreate meals they’ve had elsewhere.
Cooking and eating have brought me a lot of joy in my life. If that’s your muse, don’t be afraid to follow it. And when you find a recipe or technique you love, don’t be afraid to share it!