A quesadilla, a dirty chai, and ALL the thoughts a girl can have! ☕️

I’m sitting outside in a little corner of a coffee bar in a sweet town I’m just beginning to explore.

Our family recently moved, and it’s amazing what just a few miles outside your comfort zone can do. New places, new faces, new beginnings—and I’m loving it all.

The last couple of months have been extremely taxing for me in every way, shape, and form. That, however, is material for another day. First, I need to process it all and sit with it for a while. I love the vulnerability of opening up about the changes and challenges we go through in life. After all, we all experience them—perhaps in different ways, but we all do.

The little corner of this coffee bar where I’m sitting is lovely. There’s an old-fashioned wooden railing, beautiful greenery and flowers, and a sunflower tree looking right at me—my very favorite flower ever.

When I was in high school, I worked evenings as a receptionist and took public transportation to get there. It was a 25-minute ride, and we passed a sunflower field on the way there and back. I remember sitting by the window, taking in the joy of that view. Those were hard days—I went to school and worked long hours too—but that’s what I had to do. The sunflowers offered more than just a beautiful sight; they filled my heart with hope, joy, and the promise of a good day, no matter what I was going through at the time.

Sunflowers will always be more than just a pretty flower to me. They represent hope, joy, and always… new beginnings.

As I sit here reflecting on the gift of my life and the many experiences lived, I give thanks for the people God has sent my way—good-hearted people with kind intentions and goodwill. Some have touched my heart in special ways; some have even helped heal it. Gentle human beings.

I also give thanks for those who challenge me, and for the interactions that sometimes leave my heart a little sad. They, too, are teachable moments—opportunities for growth.

We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

A phrase worth writing over and over as a healing exercise. It carries so much depth and truth. If we lived our lives with that level of understanding, our interactions—and the way we relate to one another—would be kinder, more loving, and gentler. We are all going through something. Some are carrying heavier loads, but we all have a story to tell. Let’s remember to be kind to each other.

Inside the coffee bar, right next to me, sits an older gentleman at a table for two. He’s sipping a hot latte and working on a crossword puzzle. He smiles at everyone who walks in and waves at some—clearly a regular. He radiates joy and warmth. I like him. ☺️

Behind my table, two middle-aged women are talking about all the things—children, husbands, life—and they are hilarious. Coffee, fresh air, and best-friend chats truly are the best kind of therapy.

The coffee bar sits next to a train station, and that alone is giving me all the vacation vibes without actually being on vacation. I love trains, in case you didn’t know. 😉

I should probably finish my delicious Cuban quesadilla and iced dirty chai and head home to do some more unpacking, though this little corner in 75-degree weather is incredibly tempting.

A coffee bar patron just arrived with the cutest pup, who has parked himself right next to me, happily soaking up pats and attention. Maybe I’ll stay a little longer—it feels like a good day for that.

Have a lovely day. Remember to smile and to walk gently through life. When we do, we invite others to do the same. ❤️