LITTLE PLEASURES
I’ve had thoughts like that many times in the past, but they have usually been directed at drinks I’ve bought in restaurants or that other people have made for me. But this morning, I had that thought about a cup I made for myself. And I brewed it exactly the way I usually do, by putting a spoonful of finely ground dark roast beans that I know I like in the bottom of a mug and then pouring slightly cooled, boiled water on top.
But once I’d given the cup a stir and let the grounds settle for five minutes, the coffee did not taste good. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say the coffee did not taste the way I was hoping it would taste.
I look forward to my morning brew, so that was a disappointing start to the day, but don’t worry, I’m not going to moan about it too much because I’ve been expecting this to happen. Ever since I tested positive for Covid four days ago, to be precise. And one reason I’m not overly upset is because I’m hoping the taste bud thing is a sign the virus is running its course and will be exiting my body soon.
And to tell you the truth, the headaches, backaches, sore throat, sore eyes and lack of energy have all been more irritating than not being able to enjoy a hot drink. Another reason I’m not too bothered, and the main reason I’m telling you about this now, is because I’m hoping to use today’s coffee disappointment as a reference point so that when I have truly delicious cups in the future, I will enjoy them even more than I do now. And then I’m going to try to take it a step further and attempt to appreciate other little pleasures while the going is good, instead of just missing them when they are not present.
I believe it is common for ambitious people to write down what they want out of life and where they want to be professionally in five or ten years. I think that’s fine, but I also think all of us would benefit from taking time each day to recognise how many things we like about our lives right now.
Little things. For example, my taste buds are not working today, but the headache I had for three days is gone. Normally I wouldn’t be aware of not having a pain behind my eyes, but when I focus on that fact now, I feel really good. My backache is gone as well, and so is my sore throat.
Maybe what I’m saying is that everything is relative and we probably have more control over how we feel about our everyday lives than we think we do. I mean if everything were wonderful all the time, then wonderful wouldn’t really be wonderful, would it?
Anyway, it’s something to think about… and that’s what I’m planning to do first thing every morning.
Hopefully, it will go well with a steaming mug of home brewed coffee.