She Strengthens

Embracing Imperfection: A Journey to Becoming a Better Version of Myself

As someone who’s always been self-conscious about my baking skills, I’ve often found myself envious of those effortlessly elegant bakers who seem to whip up perfect pastries with ease. You know, the ones with an air of understated sophistication and a dash of quirky charm. But for me, baking has always been a source of anxiety, a reminder that I’m not as patient or calm as I’d like to be.

The Allure of Baking

I’ve always been good at cooking, which I attribute to its improvisational nature. Mistakes can be salvaged, and the outcome is never set in stone. But baking is a different beast altogether. It requires precision, patience, and a willingness to follow the recipe to the letter. It’s a quality that I admire in others, but struggle to emulate myself.

Confronting My Fears

Recently, I decided to take the plunge and attempt a show-stopping Lemon Greek Yogurt Pound Cake for a brunch I was hosting. With the help of a friend and ample time to execute, I felt compelled to push past my comfort zone and try something new. I wanted to prove to myself that I could be one of those serene, baking women I’ve always admired.

The Myth of Effortlessness

I know that the idea of effortless baking is just that – an illusion. It takes hard work, dedication, and attention to detail to produce a stunning tart or quiche. But that’s exactly what draws me to it. I want to cultivate patience and calm in my own life, and baking seems like the perfect way to practice those skills.

Taking the First Step

So, I invested in a Kitchen-Aid mixer, gathered my ingredients, and invited a friend over to help. It felt silly taking it all so seriously, but I knew that becoming good at baking would mean a lot to me. It would prove that I could follow a recipe, wait out the proper amount of time, and produce something beautiful.

The Power of Practice

Baking, like dance, is a way for me to practice patience and attention to detail in a concise, measurable way. With each attempt, I feel a sense of accomplishment and improvement. It’s a reminder that simplifying and balancing our lives is about identifying areas we’d like to improve and finding proactive ways to work on them.

The Cake and Beyond

In the end, the cake turned out beautifully. But more importantly, I proved to myself that I could be one of those calm, serene baking women. I could create something that took time and exact measurements. And I realized that the image I had in my head wasn’t real at all. Any quality I desire – patience, calm, or attention to detail – is merely an activity, something I can practice and improve upon.

So, I dare you to try something that feels very un-you. Be the calm yoga person, the thoughtful book person, or the artsy photographer person. Take the first step, and see where it takes you. You might just be surprised at what you’re capable of.