The Little Things.

Coffee.

That word brings so much joy to me for for many reasons. One, is because it has become a source of life for me every day (duh). Another is because it makes me feel warm and safe. But, the biggest reason it fills me with joy is because it contains so many memories for me.

You see, when my older brother Taylor and I were growing up, our grandparents watched us in the mornings before school and on breaks from school while my parents worked. Every single morning, my Nana would make my Papaw a cup of coffee while she made breakfast and then pour herself one as well. He would watch the news and she would make us all breakfast. My brother and I would either be asleep or up watching them both just living in their daily routines. One day, Taylor decided he couldn't take the smell of coffee anymore and just had to try it himself. So, Nana poured him a small amount into a little coffee cup and I watched as he dumped cream and sugar in just like Papaw. Tay was his mini me and wanted to everything just like him. Tay hated the taste of course. but he felt just like Papaw and looked so proud of himself in that moment.

That is such a fond memory that Tay and I share and I have tears in my eyes typing this because I don't get mornings like this anymore. My Papaw has been in Heaven for 7 years now and I don't get to spend a lot of mornings with Nana anymore. But coffee still holds a special place in my heart because it holds new memories as well.

Now, coffee makes me think of Saturday mornings with my parents. The three of us sitting around our kitchen island, watching our kitties play in the yard and talking about random things. And when my brother and sister-in-law are in town, they join us and it is such a special time where we are just present and in the moment with one another.

The point to all my babbling and storytelling is to just enjoy the little things in life because they are often the most special. And a special note to all of you parents, grandparents, or family members of little kids out there who feel guilty for not having perfect vacations or elaborate outings with the kids, just know that's not what they remember so much when they are older. It's the memory of the coffee you drink in the morning, the smell of breakfast in the air, and the discussions around the island, that will stick with them forever.

Challenge: I challenge you this week to do something that brings you joy every morning. It will start your day off right. I promise!