Can you remember a time in your life when your dreams were shattered? I do. Vividly! Growing up, my dream was to go to culinary school to become a pastry chef. I dreamed of my own coffee shop and bakery. When I told my father he scoffed at it. Told me it was a worthless career. My heart shattered. I had been accepted to culinary school but without his support, it was impossible. To this day, after all these years, baking is still a passion. I look at it as my love language. Love is universal but how we express it differs.

Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book called “The 5 Love Languages.” This book is about the five ways we show love. While the book is more directed at our partners, I feel it holds true in any relationship we have in our lives being family, friends or others.

*Words of Affirmation-This is using kind words, compliments, encouragement or appreciation.

*Acts of Service- Showing love by doing things for others.

*Receiving Gifts- giving with thoughtful intention which doesn’t mean cost but about the meaning.

*Quality time- Giving your full attention and undivided time.

*Physical Touch- Expressing love through physical connection. Hugs, kisses or just sitting near someone.

I feel that my love language is definitely receiving gifts. Although I could fall into the acts of service as well. There is a connection between baking and love. While there is the benefit of good food it’s about sharing our time and effort to those we care about. The process of baking is an act of mindfulness and generosity that often carry an emotional meaning. As a child, some of my best memories come with great food and family. Baking is also known to support our mental health and well-being. It brings out our creativity, focus and sensory pleasure. I mean who doesn’t love the smell of fresh baked bread or cookies…am I right? For generations, families have passed down recipes that came from our past, culture or memories.

So here are a few ways to bake with love.

*Bake Mindfully- Slow down and enjoy the process

*Use the freshest quality ingredients

*Share Generously- My favorite part. Share with a friend, co-worker or neighbor

*Embrace Imperfections-Probably the hardest part for me. Regardless of how it turns out, its made with love.

This is my love language, so what’s yours? Giving of yourself doesn’t just benefit someone else it benefits you. Whether you are giving your time, your presence, a compliment or a gift, it makes you feel good. Every act of kindness and generosity expands you. It deepens your sense of purpose. Something that as we age tends to get lost. It reminds us how much we have to share. If given from the heart it replenishes our soul. As we grow older giving looks a lot different than when we were younger. Back then we could give more hours, more physicality and maybe financially. For older adults, giving takes on a deeper and more intentional form. We have gathered more wisdom and decades of experience and sharing can come as a greater gift.

There is a beauty of knowing that sharing doesn’t always require a grand gesture. Volunteering, tutoring or just a listening ear can be the greatest gesture. The act of giving later in life often brings as much if not more fulfilment not only for the receiver but also the giver. It’s easy to look at aging as a loss, but in truth it can be a season of abundance. With more space to reflect and more freedom to choose and we are in a place of being able to give from generosity and not obligation.

To give in our later years is to remind the world, and ourselves, that we are still vibrant and alive and contributors to society. We are proof that love, wisdom and compassion never grow old. We continue to keep our own hearts alive, open and full of light. So, what’s your love language? Leave a comment below and tell us your story.

Peace and Love