The Lasagna Lens: Loving Yourself in Layers (and Chips)

The other day, I reached for what I thought was an empty bag of Salt & Vinegar potato chips — you know, the kind Jimmy John's makes that somehow tastes like they invented the flavor. Just as I was about to toss the bag away, I found a little treasure at the bottom: the crumbs. The leftovers. The pieces we often ignore.
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But those crumbs? They were packed with flavor — the same tangy, bold blend as the whole chips. In that small, salty moment, I thought we’ve really got to stop overlooking the crumbs.  That’s when it hit me — this wasn’t just about chips. It was about us.
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Self-love is a layered thing. It’s like lasagna: deep, complex, built over time. Some layers are cheesy, some are saucy, some messy. But every layer matters. And just like we celebrate the lasagna cheese topping or the last golden fry at the bottom of the takeout bag, we should also learn to love every piece of ourselves.

There's a scripture that says: “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Here’s the question — do you love yourself enough to truly love your neighbor?
An act of loving oneself isn’t about ego or waiting for someone else to validate you. It’s about giving yourself grace. Grace to heal. Grace to rest. Grace to grow. Grace to enjoy something as simple as a bag of chips.

So, the next time you treat yourself — whether it’s a snack, a meal, filling up your tank, or just taking a breath — remember to extend that same grace to someone else. Smile at a stranger. Give a compliment. Pay it forward, fill up their gas tank too or treat them to a meal. Let love, like lasagna, be something you serve in generous layers.

And whatever you do, don’t forget the crumbs at the bottom of the bag.  They might just be the best part.
Layers of Love,
Sam The Lasagna Lady®