Trisha Yearwood on Getting COVID-19, Her Marriage to Garth Brooks, and How God Has a Plan

Trisha Yearwood is beloved for her soulful voice, fearless spirit, and go-getter strength. But after contracting COVID-19, she feared for her health, career, and dreams for the future.

Here, the Grammy Award-winning singer, author, and host of the Food Network’s Trisha’s Southern Kitchen catches up with Woman’s World and shares the mental shifts that gave her the courage to overcome anything.

Cooking became a token of love.

Cooking is a love language we all appreciate, and few are better at sharing the love than Trisha Yearwood. “It’s my way of relaxing,” she reveals to Woman’s World. “Whether I’m alone in the kitchen or with friends, it all just feels good!”

But the good times in Trisha’s kitchen faced a real test when, earlier this year, she got COVID. “It’s been a journey,” she admits. “My sense of taste and smell is finally coming back, but this whole experience has helped me learn to be kinder to myself.”

How did she do it? By focusing on the things that matter most, like her health and marriage to Garth Brooks. “We have an extra-grateful heart for things,” Trisha says. “We love life that much more!”

Recently, Trisha shared that love in her cookbook Trisha’s Kitchen: Easy Comfort Food for Friends & Family (Buy on Amazon, $18.27). For the 57-year-old, who penned it with her sister during the pandemic, it’s a reminder of the power of food, family, and togetherness.

“Cooking gives love to the people you love and to you,” says Trisha, who also released a deluxe edition of her “Every Girl” album in August. “There’s no greater gift than that!”

Here are Trisha’s six other tips for following your dreams, finding peace, and living a joy-filled life, no matter what comes your way.

Trisha believes that God always has a plan.

“When people ask me where I get my strength, I say God, family, and friends,” Trisha shares. “I believe that everything happens the way it’s supposed to. Even when things aren’t easy, God has a plan. Now, that’s not to say I don’t have my moments of losing it when things get tough, but that underlying belief keeps me calm and centered and gives me so much strength when I need it the most.”

Make YOU your first priority.

“Exercise has always been a way for me to de-stress,” Trisha says. “I started doing strength training three times a week for the past year, and I feel so much stronger! I feel like me again. It’s the first time in 17 seasons filming my show that I’ve kept my workout routine, even on the nights I didn’t want to go. It’s been something that I’ve made a priority — me! ”

Let go of what you can’t control.

“We’ve all been challenged in the past year,” Trisha says. “And for someone who likes to be in control, I’ve learned I have to let go of the things I can’t control and reground myself. Thank goodness I was raised by Jack and Gwen Yearwood, who grounded me in family and faith. My sister, Beth, and I are close, and she’s very grounding for me. It’s grounding yourself in the people around you that matters most.”

Find solace in puppy love.

“My dogs are my happiness,” Trisha says with a smile. “Hiking with them is delightful! I’m grateful they can run and enjoy. Of course, sometimes they have too good of a time — they’re getting bathed today because they had fun with a skunk! But just seeing them fully enjoy their lives, that brings me joy like nothing else.”

Discover joy in helping others.

“When I’m going through tough times, it helps me to help others,” Trisha says. “When I’m having those ‘poor me’ thoughts, doing something for someone else is great. So what if you can’t fit into that dress. It doesn’t matter! Your worth will come from helping others, and that’s where you’ll find your peace and purpose too.”

It’s not too late to do what you love.

“If you’re passionate about something, no matter your age or your position, pursue it!” Trisha advises. “No matter where you are in life, living your dreams is possible. And if you find something you love and make it what you do every day, you’ll love every second of your life!”

Don’t miss Trisha’s new cookbook!

Written with her sister, Beth Bernard, and with a foreword from her husband, Garth Books, Trisha’s latest cookbook, “Trisha’s Kitchen: Easy Comfort Food for Friends & Family,” is one she can’t wait to share.

“I’m really excited,” Trisha gushes. “It’s been five years since the last book, and I’ve learned so much! I was surprised at how many new things I was able come up with that are still ‘Trisha stuff.’ But I did, and none of the recipes are hard to make or require any crazy ingredients. The best part is, you can share it all with those who you love most!”

This article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.