Why Coffee is Much More Than a Tasty Beverage

Why do we enjoy coffee?  Is it because it’s yummy?  Yup, that probably helps.  Is it because it’s nature’s energy-boosting elixir?  Definitely doesn’t hurt.  Is it because it’s part of our routine and we’re people who like routine?  I don’t rule it out.  The truth is, it’s more than all of this.  Simply put, coffee is hope in a cup.

When I go to bed nowadays, I’m actually already thinking about that first cup of coffee in the morning.  I initially found this troublesome.  I started questioning whether or not I should host my own intervention.  Instead of focusing on coffee, I should be focused on getting a good night’s rest.  I should be taking these minutes to develop my meditation routine.  The more I thought about it though, the more I realized, these fixating java thoughts aren’t necessarily a bad thing.

Days are chaotic.  I come home from work, still thinking about spreadsheets and emails.  I do my best to leave some of these thoughts in the garage, as I enter the house, prepared for messy high chairs, bath times and daily recaps spoken over Disney songs.  So yes, I’m tired by the time I get ready for bed.  But if I’m still thinking about the next morning’s cup of coffee, it means that despite mommy guilt, work deadlines and just plain chaos, I’m ready to do it all over again.  I’m persevering.

The act of drinking coffee in the morning is a beautiful experience.  We’ve all got our own unique spin: standing up, sitting down, after the shower, before your feet hit the floor, after the workout, before waking up the kids, on your way into work, as soon as you power up the computer.  The point is, it’s your spin on a common ground (get it).  When you drink that cup, it’s all for you.  It’s your time.  It’s “me time”.  You can make it, or order it, to your idea of perfection.  Maybe this is why I always order the large.  Because I’m worth perfection.  You’re worth perfection.

Here are some simple gift ideas for the coffee-lover in your life:

Gift card to their favorite coffee shop – remember, you’re not just buying your friend a drink.  You’re sending a message to the recipient that they’re worth a special moment.  Have you ever been bummed out that someone gave you a drink gift card?  Enough said.

Coffee Mug – Nowadays you can find a mug for any personality type.  Or if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, have it custom-made.

Magazine subscription – On the off-chance this mom gets to have a full cup in one sitting, I reach for one of my favorite magazines.

Coffee clothing – a comfy t-shirt or sweatshirt highlighting the recipient’s love of coffee…bringing your love of coffee and humor to the forefront

Sweet treats – nothing like having a sweet treat to compliment your cup of joe!  I’m a sucker for my neighbor’s homemade pumpkin scones.  If pumpkin is not your thing, try coffee cake or homemade muffins.

Yes, it doesn’t always turn out the way you want it to.  You’re putting the mug up to your lips for the first sip, just as you’re being called into an impromptu meeting for someone else’s emergency.  You get up early to enjoy your cup and some quiet time, and five minutes later your toddler is tugging on your pants to tell you that they pooped.  Some things will always be out of our control, but that doesn’t mean we should stop trying to hoard a little something for ourselves.  We will continue to persevere, because it’s these little things in life that make it easier to tackle the bigger things.