Morning Brew

I shuffle barefoot across the chilled tile floor, as in a performance of a series of rehearsed, choreographed dance moves. Upon my completion of these four simple steps, the aroma of Maxwell House Coffee is filling the air. 

Honestly, I don’t really like coffee. But, I like my routine. It’s the dance and the anticipation of filling my cup that fuels my mornings.  And when I have to rush and miss those steps, I find myself a little off balance.

On mornings when I get those timely steps in, I lift the steaming hot mug to my lips and go for a sip of the brewed goodness. But, upon my initial tasting, I become keenly aware of my indifference to this substance.  Whatever I am thirsting for, whatever needs quenching within me, is left unsatisfied. The morning brewing of coffee is but a poor substitute. 

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There is something therapeutic about a routine.  It is the heartbeat of life moving us from one moment to the next.  Living with Multiple Sclerosis gives me the vantage point of appreciating the routine of everyday life.  On any given day I am unsure of how I will be feeling and if my body will cooperate with what I’m hoping to do.  The regular, monotonous, often calculated and predictable daily activities have become the backbone of my existence.

We favor routines for their predictability, but I have found that sprinkled in my everyday routine are surprises. Surprises that are meant to bring me joy, appearing in the form of a blessing. And then there are those Surprises that break through with unwilled and unwelcomed heartbreak.

The act of brewing my morning coffee does little to satisfy my taste buds.  But I approach each mug in the hope that it will.  And I wake each day excited about my morning brew, fully enjoying the routine of the dance.  Maybe those steps of plugging in the machine, filling the water line, adding 4 scoops of ground coffee and hitting the on button are really all I need.

A need to give my, not so stable life – a little routine.  And with a warm cup of Joe in hand – I am ready to be surprised by the Joy & Heartbreak headed my way.