Back to the Basics: Learning, Healing, and Baking for the Love of It

March feels like a season of renewal—a time to reset, refocus, and realign with what truly matters. This month, I’m deep in the process of learning new skills, improving my health, and revisiting why I fell in love with baking in the first place.

There’s something powerful about going back to the basics. Whether it’s studying for my ServSafe exam to finally secure certification and submit my resume for a Chef’s instructors’ position, adjusting my lifestyle to better manage my health, or simply remembering why I started baking in the first place—this season is all about growth, healing, and intention.

1. Learning New Skills: The Road to Becoming a Chef Instructor

I’ve spent years perfecting my craft, and if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that I am more than qualified to teach. Becoming a Chef Instructor isn’t about proving my worth—it’s about putting the final piece in place. That piece? The ServSafe certification.

I had every intention of taking the exam this month, but life had other plans. I missed my window and had to push my deadline to May. Frustrating? Yes. A setback? No. I’ve already completed five modules, and now I just need to finish the last five. Delays don’t mean defeat—they mean adjusting the plan and staying the course.

💡 Lesson: Growth isn’t always on our timeline, but every step forward still counts.

💡 Reflection: What’s one small step you took this month that made a big impact?

2. A Health Reset: Prioritizing Wellness with Purpose

Living with Chiari malformation means that my health journey is about more than just fitness—it's about quality of life. This month, I’ve committed to a reset, incorporating:

✅ Juicing for a nutrient boost

✅ An anti-inflammatory diet to help manage symptoms

✅ Strength training, cardio, and pilates for overall wellness

I’m embracing holistic approaches to see what truly helps me feel better. My body has been through so much, and now, it’s time to listen to it, nourish it, and give it the care it deserves.

💡 Reflection: What’s one change you’ve made for your health that has made a difference?

"The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you've got to have a what-the-hell attitude

– Julia Childs

3. Baking for the Love of It—Not the Money

Somewhere along the way, I lost sight of why I started baking. It wasn’t about profit margins, branding, or marketing strategies. It was about the joy of creating something with my hands. The way a freshly baked batch of cookies can lift someone’s spirits. The way kneading dough used to feel like therapy.

This month, I’m reconnecting with that joy by experimenting with Madeleines—a delicate, buttery little cake with crisp edges and a soft center. There’s something special about trying something new without pressure, just for the experience of creating.

And instead of selling them, I’ll be sharing them as a gift with the Bible study group I’m attending soon. Baking has always been an expression of love, and I can’t think of a better way to return to my why than by using it to bless others.

*Make sure you keep watch on Instagram (@kneadsmoresugar_oh) and see my results of my experiment*

💡 Encouragement: When was the last time you did something just because you loved it?

Closing Thoughts: Moving Forward with Intention

This March, I’m choosing to:

✔️ Learn and grow, even when the timeline shifts

✔️ Prioritize my health in ways that truly support my well-being

✔️ Return to the things that bring me joy—without pressure or expectation

Sometimes, the best way forward is to go back to where it all began.

What’s something you’re revisiting or relearning this month? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Let’s keep baking, growing, healing, and showing up. 💛

Lisa