BAKING FOR SELF-CARE 🍰✨

 For years, I felt like I was searching for something I couldn’t quite name. I tried different things—hoping to find happiness, purpose, or even just a spark of excitement—but nothing ever seemed to stick. I’d find little moments of joy, but they faded so quickly, leaving me feeling lost again. I would look around at others—earning degrees, building businesses, chasing dreams—and I wondered, what about me? What do I want out of life? Where do I belong?

 When I was working full-time as a GM, so much of my energy was poured into my job and into raising my girls. There wasn’t much room left for me. I loved my family deeply, but somewhere along the way, I forgot to take care of myself. When I became a stay-at-home mom, my life shifted. For the first time in a long while, I had space to breathe, to reflect, and to ask myself—what do I truly want?

 That’s when baking found me. At first, it wasn’t about perfection or business—it was simply about wanting to say, “I made this.” I wanted to create something with my own two hands, something I could be proud of. The first cake my husband and I made together was a Tres Leches, and I’ll never forget that feeling of joy, messiness, and laughter all rolled into one. It was more than just dessert—it was connection.

 But my journey really started when I baked my first cupcakes. I remember being nervous, scared they wouldn’t turn out, but also excited. And when I struggled with the buttercream and finally fixed it, the happiness I felt was overwhelming. I literally jumped up and down with joy. It wasn’t just about the cupcakes—it was about me. I had created something beautiful, and it gave me back a piece of myself I didn’t even realize I had been missing.

 What makes this journey even more special is that I didn’t do it alone. Yes, baking became my self-care, but it also became a family memory. My husband was baking his bread, my twins were sneaking cupcakes and smiling with gratitude, and my oldest cheered me on, encouraging me when I got it wrong and celebrating me when I got it right. Their love and support reminded me that self-care doesn’t always mean being alone—it can also mean being surrounded by the people who love you most while still making space for yourself.

 A month later, I found myself falling in love with baking. It became more than a hobby; it became a passion. Late at night, when the girls were asleep, I would bake in peace—just me, the ingredients, and my thoughts. Those quiet moments became healing. Each recipe taught me patience, resilience, and the beauty of starting over when things don’t turn out right. And every time I pulled something out of the oven, I felt proud—not only because I had made it, but because I had chosen to invest in myself.

 Now, baking has become a part of me. It’s self-care, it’s therapy, it’s joy, and it’s even a little dream I never expected. When I hand someone a baked good at our farm stand and say, “I made this,” I feel like I’ve found a part of my purpose.

 To anyone reading this—if you’ve ever felt lost like I did, please know that you’re not alone. Sometimes self-care looks like bubble baths or quiet walks, and sometimes it looks like flour on your hands and a messy kitchen. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to try. You don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. Just take one step, try one thing, and let yourself be proud of every little win.

 I’m forever grateful to my husband and my girls for cheering me on, giving me space, and reminding me that I matter too. Baking taught me more than just recipes—it taught me that caring for myself is not selfish, it’s necessary. And I hope you find that little piece of happiness for yourself too. 💕

 “Baking isn’t just about making something sweet—it’s about finding joy in the process, healing in the patience, and love in every bite.”

Author: Nemesis N. Escobar-Cruz