Step 1: Gather and Ground Yourself

• Take a moment to appreciate the smells of the spices and the sweetness of the maple syrup. This is your time to nourish yourself.

• Exercise: Take a moment to reflect on what makes you “delicious” inside. Write down three qualities you love about yourself that have nothing to do with how you look. Say: "I am so much more than my appearance. My worth is in who I am and how I care for others."

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and chai spice mix.

• Exercise: Imagine each spice and ingredient as a part of your inner beauty—strength, humor, kindness, curiosity. Name the traits you have that make you a beautiful person. Say: "I am a perfect blend of traits that make me unique."

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

• Exercise: While mixing, reflect on softness and sweetness in your life. As the mixture comes together, think of how your heart holds together all the parts of you—the messy, sweet, and imperfect. Ask yourself: What’s one kind thing I can say to myself today? For example: "I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough."

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

• Exercise: Reflect on times you’ve combined strength and softness, laughter and tears, to get through tough moments. Say: "I am a mix of all my experiences, and that’s what makes me special."

Step 5: Chill the Dough

• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

• Exercise: While the dough rests, remind yourself that resting isn’t failure—it’s part of growth. Say: "Like this dough, I am better when I give myself time to just be." Use this time to rest or do something soothing. Perhaps you journal, meditate, or listen to calming music.

Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Sprinkle

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into shapes. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Sprinkle each cookie lightly with flaky sea salt.

• Exercise: As you shape the cookies, embrace their quirks—some may have long legs, short arms, or missing pieces. Say: "We are all different shapes, but we’re all enough just as we are." When sprinkling sea salt, think: "A little imperfection adds character and depth."

Step 7: Bake with Care

• Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are still soft. Let cool completely.

• Exercise: While the cookies bake, reflect on how you “bake” into a better version of yourself over time. Say: "Even in tough times, I am growing. My inside is what matters, not the cracks on the surface.” Think of times you have persevered and how each of your past challenges has shaped you into who you are.

Step 8: Decorate and Celebrate

• Use icing or leave them simple. Either way, admire your creation as a reflection of your effort and care.

• Exercise: Frost the cookies however you like, embracing that some might look a little messy. Remind yourself:
  "The way you look is the least interesting thing about you. What matters is what’s inside, and what’s inside is amazing."

Step 9: Share and Enjoy

• Exercise: When you eat the cookies, savor their deliciousness. Reflect on how their appearance didn’t change the taste. Say: "I am nourishing myself with love and kindness. My heart and soul are what make me beautiful."