The best part of waking up...

Happy National Coffee Day to all who celebrate!

I don’t recall my first cup of coffee. But I do remember sitting in a diner booth in Rhinebeck, NY, relishing a warm mug, surrounded by other first-year students on a crisp October weekend. We passed around sections of the Sunday New York Times, ate apple cider donuts and pancakes, and drove the long way back to campus, pleasantly caffeinated. I looked out the window, marveling at the leaves falling, feeling like anything was possible. A core memory.

Over the years, my love of coffee has deepened. I have all the tools to make excellent coffee at home. When traveling, I search for hotels within walking distance of coffee shops highly rated by locals for the drinks and the vibe. I'm sure I'm not alone in prioritizing this amenity...

The last part of my bedtime routine is listening to a sleep meditation and naming what I’m grateful for. Each night, I smile at the thought of drifting off, dreaming, then waking up and having my first cup of coffee. Giddy with anticipatory joy.

Cheers to making room for small delights, today and every day. We all deserve something to look forward to. #nationalcoffeeday