The snow is falling again, soft and slow, covering the world in white. Inside, I stay close to the things that bring me comfort. Reading. Writing. Painting. These quiet pleasures have become my winter rituals. They remind me of childhood days when wonder was easy to find and joy didn’t need permission. I hold onto that now, like a secret tucked under my tongue.
Speaking of joy, let me tell you about a coffee shop that stole a little piece of my heart.
As someone who truly loves coffee—not just the drink, but the experience—I am always searching for places that feel like a hug when you walk in. Warm lighting. Soft music. A seat by the window. A space that holds you without asking questions.
One cold afternoon, I decided to walk instead of drive. I made my way through the chill to this new little shop that had been on my radar. I ordered my favorite, a caffé macchiato, and settled into a corner booth. My body thawed. My mind softened. I scrolled through my phone without much thought, just passing time. Then I looked back at my cup, thinking it was empty.
But it wasn’t.
At the very bottom, a small pool of coffee waited for me. One last sip. One quiet reminder.
Just when you think you have nothing left, life offers you a little more.
It is not always that we are truly out of strength. Sometimes, we just stop looking for it. We give up too soon. But there is something left in the well. Even if it is small. Even if it is quiet.
I thought about the times I nearly gave up. On projects. On people. On myself. When I felt too tired to be kind. When I had nothing gentle left to give. But just before the end, there it was. A drop of courage. A flicker of grace. Enough to try again.
This year, I needed that reminder. At every crossroad, at every slow morning, I am learning to look for what is left inside me. To revisit dreams. To reopen closed doors. To send that email. To pick up the pen. To show up again.
That day, I left the café with more than a warm drink. I left with a soft push forward. A promise to myself to keep going. To try once more. To believe that one more time is often enough.
So if you find yourself worn out, or unsure, or standing still, remember the cup. Remember the sip you thought was gone. There is more inside you. Even now.
Find your haven. A cozy café, a quiet corner, a warm drink in your favorite mug. Let it hold you. Let it remind you.
You are allowed to begin again. One more time.
