Cup of Inspiration

Do you enjoy your coffee with cream? If so, what flavor cream? Do you add sugar? Do you enjoy a simple cup of black coffee to kickstart a busy day? How about temperature, do you take it hot or cold? Do your tastebuds relish a glass of cold brew coffee?

Today, September 29^th, we celebrate National Coffee Day. We lift our coffee mugs as we toast this beverage that gives us the much-needed boost to bravely face another day.

Coffee is both simple and complex. A few roasted beans combined with water can provide a cup full of happiness for the person thinking about what lies ahead in the office. It can help give a student the jolt they need to go in and tackle an exam. It can provide comfort to someone needing warmth to combat a chilly morning. If poured over ice, that same beverage can give a refreshing lift on a warm summer day.

A cup of coffee doesn’t always stop with just coffee. Some coffee lovers have a favorite flavor. They may choose either flavored coffee beans, or they could select from a variety of flavored coffee creams. Of course, for a little extra richness, they could combine both options. Then of course, for those with a sweet tooth, there is the additional option of adding a teaspoon (or two) of sugar. Looking for a healthier alternative? Try a little bit of honey.  This can offer another whole set of ways to add to the cup depending on what type of honey is selected. Don’t forget to top off that cup with a pinch of cinnamon for a little extra spicing.

Coffee drinkers have favorite ways to enjoy a cup based on the occasion. They’ll have a favorite way to prepare that morning cup, and another way perhaps for that afternoon pick-me-up. The coffee enjoyed on a Saturday morning while out with friends during holiday shopping will probably be different from the cup prepared on a Monday morning right before a big department meeting.

We will be convinced that our favorite way of enjoying a cup-o-joe is the best way. In fact, it is the best way, for that coffee drinker.  There is no right or wrong way, if the one drinking it is truly enjoying it. Of course, we should always remember our health. If you drink a lot of coffee, perhaps considering a little less sugar, or a complete elimination, will make your doctor happy in your next physical exam. There are better ways of enjoying coffee for your health. However, if you are not putting your health at risk, the best flavor combination is whatever is best pleasing for you.

Just like the fact that there is no one single way to prepare a good cup of coffee, there are other areas in life that are relative to the individual. There is no one best way to earn a living. There is no one best way to relax after a long workday. There is no one best way to enjoy a vacation. The best career, the best free time activity, and the best vacation plans are enjoyed by the individual making those choices for themselves. If their health isn’t put at unnecessary risk, and they are able to meet their needs, they are the best judge for those choices.

It is easy for us to compare ourselves to others. We can find inspiration from others, but don’t feel the need to replicate someone else. Enjoy your coffee the way you enjoy it best.