What My Morning Coffee Knows About Me

The hum of the espresso machine warming up, the click pshh of a can of iced coffee as it’s opened, the splash of creamer as the white whirls float down the glass—my morning starts with a coffee.

In the ritual of my morning coffee, much is revealed. My morning coffee knows how the night went, it predicts how the morning goes, it offers a glimpse into my internal disposition just after I open my eyes.

My morning latte knows I have a slower morning. I’m not rushed and I’m soaking in the din of playing children, indie playlists, and jammy eggs. I can take the time to warm up the espresso machine, steam the milk, and practice the latte art. I get to sit at the table and enjoy a hot breakfast while my husband and I go over our weekend plans. This cup is for sleepy mornings and gentle rhythms.

My morning cold brew knows I had a rough night. The baby’s teething, the child’s nightmares, the restless leg syndrome. I need a few more milligrams of caffeine and a vehicle for a brown sugar oat milk creamer. It’s for sipping while making school lunches, breaking up morning fights, and microwaving a breakfast sandwich. This cup is for my normal days in this busy season of being.

My morning drive-through knows its payday. It’s for treats and self-care. It’s for pre-ordering something indulgent and excessive. I carry the emotional and physical weight of five children’s needs and moods. I remember every food preference and every school conference. I know how to handle the big feelings and small moments. But I deserve yummy things sometimes too. This cup is for self-love and a hug to myself.

My morning iced coffee from a can knows that sometimes life moves too fast. I know I could take an extra few minutes to make something myself, but sometimes conveniently packaged food and beverages make the morning just a little easier. I’m in the season of Costco hauls, bulk foods, and easy packages. It’s for balancing all of my to-dos and deciding where I can spend my energy and where I need to make it easier on myself. This cup is for accepting what I can do and what I have to let go of.

My morning espresso martini knows it’s time for fun, food, and connection. It’s for Saturday morning book club with friends. I set aside time to fill my cup with laughter and brunches and adult conversations. My husband and I sneak away for a weekend getaway to rekindle our own relationship. My days are filled with kids and patients and endless to-dos. But scheduling in time for myself is just as important as all the ways I nurture others. This cup (glass) is for honoring myself as a whole person and not only a mother or dentist.

My morning carafe knows that I like to take care of my staff. It sees the leadership side of myself who wants to make sure I show gratitude to hard-working dental assistants and front office staff in the hectic schedule of community health and the unsung honor in public health dentistry. It’s an open office door, it’s sharing glows and grows, it’s a whole-person approach to management. This cup is for sharing a mission and seeing the hard work in healthcare support staff.

My morning coffee knows the truth—I’m stitched together with love, caffeine, and the audacity to call this balance, whether it’s cold brew in the chaos or a latte in the lull.

So, pour your own cup and take a moment to reflect—what does your morning coffee know about you?