One of my favorite treats is a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks.
At first, I drank these because I was sucked in to limited-time availability. I better order it now before it’s gone. In a few months, peppermint mochas will be here and you can kiss your pumpkin spice lattes goodbye. Can you hear the angst? Seasonal products are phenomenal marketing.
Then, I realized it was more than a seasonal thing. It has become a way to give back to myself. To take care of myself. But only if I pay attention.
You see, sometimes I drink down a pumpkin spice latte so quickly I miss it. It becomes just another shot of caffeine. But sometimes, I savor it. I am mindful.
I feel the warmth of the cup in my hands. I taste the complexity of flavors. I smell the unique smell of pumpkin spice.
And I don’t just savor the coffee. I look around and appreciate the beautiful colors of the leaves. The trees did not look like that last week and won’t look like that next week. It is only right now, in this moment, that these vibrant colors are here for my pleasure.
I feel the chill in the air. Not the cold that winter brings, but crisp air that only belongs to fall.
I recall moments of drinking apple cider with family, searching for the perfect pumpkin with my kids, and hay rack rides with friends.
I wonder what it is that you savor. What special treat stops you in your tracks? What do you do that is a small way of slowing down and appreciating the moment?
Now, I have moments where I recognize that life, like my pumpkin spice latte, is time limited. I better enjoy it.
Date: November 12, 2014
Category: Uncategorized