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A New Year, A New You: Putting Yourself First to Look After Your Family

Writer's picture: Tim LeachTim Leach
Jan 64 min read


Happy New Year! 🎉 It’s that magical time when we reflect on the past year, promise ourselves we’ll actually use the gym membership we paid for in June, and prepare to dive headfirst into another 12 months of glorious chaos. But let’s be honest: New Year’s resolutions often fizzle out faster than the champagne bubbles on New Year’s morning.


This year, let’s flip the script. Instead of the tired old “new year, new me” mantra, let’s make it about rediscovering yourself - truly seeing yourself - so you can better care for the people who count on you. This starts with looking inward, getting real with yourself, and sprinkling in some mindfulness (don’t worry, I’ll explain).


Why You Need to Put Yourself First

We’ve all heard the airplane analogy: put your oxygen mask on before helping others. It’s cliché, but there’s a reason flight attendants repeat it every single time. If you’re running on empty, how can you possibly be the rockstar parent, partner, or friend your loved ones need?


Let’s break it down:


  1. Parenting is Relentless: It’s a full-time job with no breaks and no training manual. You’ve got to recharge.

  2. Your Family Learns from You: Want your kids to grow up confident and resilient? Show them what self-care looks like.

  3. Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honour: Being a martyr doesn’t make you a better parent. It makes you exhausted, cranky, and less effective.


So, this New Year, let’s shift the focus to you. Think of it as the ultimate self-care rebrand.


Step 1: Start With Self-Awareness

Before you can truly care for others, you’ve got to get honest with yourself. How are you doing? Like, really doing? Not the Instagram-filtered version of your life, but the unfiltered reality.


Questions to Ponder:


  • Are you feeling overwhelmed more often than not?

  • When was the last time you did something just for yourself?

  • What’s your energy level on a scale of “ready to conquer the world” to “living off coffee fumes”?


If these questions hit a little too close to home, don’t panic. Awareness is the first step toward change.


Step 2: Redefine Self-Care


Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days (I'm talking to the ladies here). Real self-care is about setting boundaries, saying no to things that drain you, and carving out time for what fuels you.


Here’s where mindfulness comes in. No, I’m not asking you to sit cross-legged on a mountaintop chanting “om” (unless you want to). Mindfulness is about being present, focusing on the moment, and letting go of the mental clutter that keeps you stuck.

And guess what? Mindful baking is one of the easiest ways to start. (Yep, this is where I slip in my workshops.) Imagine kneading dough, feeling its texture, and inhaling the aroma of fresh bread while your worries melt away. It’s therapeutic, delicious, and practical - what more could you want?

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Step 3: Set Intentions, Not Resolutions


Resolutions often fail because they’re rigid and fueled by guilt. Intentions, on the other hand, are flexible and grounded in self-compassion.


Examples of Intentions for the New Year:


  • “I will take 10 minutes a day to focus on my mental well-being.”

  • “I will prioritize quality time with my family without distractions.”

  • “I will embrace activities that bring me joy, like baking (hint, hint).”

Intentions aren’t about perfection; they’re about progress.


Step 4: Build a Stronger Connection with Your Family


Once you’ve started looking after yourself, you’ll notice a ripple effect in your family dynamics. Here’s how to deepen those connections in 2025:


1. Be Present:

Put the phone down. Seriously. Scrolling through TikTok while your child tells you about their day sends the message that you’re not fully there.

2. Incorporate Mindful Practices as a Family:

Mindful baking isn’t just for you - it’s a fantastic way to bond with your kids. Imagine a family pizza night where everyone makes their own sourdough base from scratch (I teach this, by the way). You’ll laugh, make memories, and maybe even discover who’s got a knack for kneading.

3. Communicate Openly:

Create a safe space for your family to share their feelings. It’s amazing how far a little vulnerability can go in strengthening your relationships.


Step 5: Learn to Let Go


Here’s a hard truth: you can’t do it all, and that’s okay. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your family is to let go of the need to be perfect.

Burned the sourdough loaf? Great - call it “rustic” and move on. Forgot to pack your kid’s lunch? That’s what school canteens are for. Life’s imperfections are what make it beautiful.


How The Mindful Baker Can Help


Let’s talk about my workshops for a second. They’re not just about learning to bake (though you’ll walk away with some serious sourdough skills). They’re about creating space to breathe, reconnect with yourself, and take home tools to keep that balance going long after the bread has been devoured.


What You’ll Experience:


  • Hands-on mindfulness techniques that are as practical as they are calming

  • A chance to focus on you in a supportive, stress-free environment

  • Delicious food you’ll be proud to share with your family (or keep for yourself—no judgment)


These workshops are designed for parents like you who are juggling a million things but still want to show up for their families with energy and love.


Step 6: Celebrate the Wins (Big and Small)


Every step you take toward a healthier, more balanced version of yourself is worth celebrating. Made it through a chaotic day without losing your cool? Win. Took 10 minutes to breathe and reset? Win. Signed up for a Mindful Baker workshop? Huge win.


A Final Note


This New Year, let’s skip the guilt-ridden resolutions and focus on something real: rediscovering yourself so you can show up as your best for the people who matter most.


Parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence.


And hey, if you need a little help along the way, you know where to find me. Whether it’s through a hands-on baking session or simply carving out time to breathe, I’ve got your back.


Happy New Year to you all. Here’s to a 2025 filled with mindfulness, joy, and maybe even a perfectly baked sourdough loaf.


In the immortal words of my ultimate hero, Jim Morrison (adapted slightly): Break on through to 2025.



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