Life Lessons I Learnt Making Sourdough

When I first started making sourdough, I thought it was all about following a recipe—precision, exact measurements, and timing. But what I discovered was something deeper and much more rewarding.

From the moment I mixed water and flour to build my starter, I felt like I’m setting the stage for something alive. Watching the starter mature and grow over days and weeks was like nurturing a little science experiment with a touch of magic. No two days are ever the same, and I love that unpredictability. It’s taught me that creativity isn’t about control, but about embracing the process.

The creative spark really kicks in when it comes to experimenting with different  ratios and quantities, baking methods, creating other breads from the mixture, etc. Each new combination gives my bread a distinct personality, and I never know exactly what I’ll end up with, but that’s half the fun!

Baking sourdough has become a beautiful balance of precision and creativity. No matter what the result, the process always leaves me fulfilled. It reminds me that creativity can be found in the simplest of tasks, like mixing dough or shaping a loaf. There’s beauty in the practice, in the imperfections, and in the willingness to try something new every time.

For me, sourdough is more than just bread—it’s a way to express my creativity and passion, and share a little piece of myself with every loaf.

In the few months I have been making sourdough, these are some of the life lessons I've learnt during the process:

• Patience is Key: Sourdough requires time to ferment, rise, and develop its flavor. This process teaches the value of patience, as rushing only leads to disappointing results. I remember rushing in the beginning, too excited to see the results. But as I soon learned, sourdough is a process that can't be hurried. The bread came out in ways I hadn’t expected, and it taught me that patience is essential. The beauty of sourdough lies in letting the dough develop at its own pace—when I slowed down and trusted the process, the results were far more rewarding. 

• Embrace Imperfection: Every loaf is unique, with its own quirks. Embracing imperfections and understanding that the journey is more important than the final product is a lesson in self-acceptance and resilience. There are times when I look at a loaf and feel uncertain, thinking it didn’t turn out the way I imagined. But then I take that first bite, and it’s amazing. It reminds me that what matters most is the taste and experience, not just the appearance. 

• Consistency Matters: Regular feeding of the starter and maintaining a routine leads to a healthy, strong dough. It’s a clear reminder of how consistency in our habits and actions creates the foundation for success. There have been times when I missed a feed or forgot about it completely, only to find myself starting the process all over again. But now, I’m fully dedicated to keeping it alive, nurturing it with the care and attention it needs, just like any meaningful commitment in life. 

• Adaptability: Sourdough is incredibly sensitive to its environment, and adjusting for factors like temperature and humidity is essential for the perfect loaf. I find myself constantly monitoring the conditions where I proof the dough—small changes in temperature or hydration can impact the entire process. This mirrors how flexibility and adaptability in life allow us to thrive in changing circumstances. Just as I adjust for the dough’s needs, life teaches us to adapt to what comes our way, making the end result all the more rewarding. 

• The Importance of Connection: Sharing sourdough, fosters a deep sense of connection and community. It brings me back to the pure joy that comes from giving and sharing with others. Throughout this journey, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people. The experience has been rewarding not just because of the bread, but because of the friendships and connections that have flourished along the way. 

• Learning Never Stops: Each batch offers new insights, reminding me to stay curious, open to learning, and always striving for improvement. Every time I make a batch, I find myself tweaking something—whether it's adjusting hydration, proofing time, or trying a new technique. And when I hit a snag, I dive into research, exploring solutions and experimenting until I get it right. It’s a constant cycle of learning and growth, making the process as rewarding as the final loaf.

• Trust the Process: There’s a level of unpredictability in making sourdough, but trusting the process, even when things feel uncertain, often leads to the most satisfying results. It’s a true lesson in faith and perseverance. There are times when I go to bed after a day of working on the dough, feeling unsure and a bit defeated. But the next morning, I’m greeted by beautiful, well-risen loaves. It’s taught me to trust the journey, even when the outcome isn’t immediately clear.