A new cycle, the same aroma: Reflections between cups and goals

Hello, dear friends at Hive. I sincerely hope that you welcomed the new year with wonderful energy, surrounded by the warmth of your loved ones. As we welcome a new cycle, it is inevitable that I pause for a moment to let my thoughts settle, like coffee in a press, and reflect on life itself: on everything I have earned through hard work and everything I have, at some point, been on the verge of losing. Today, I thank God and life for keeping me strong, on my feet, and for giving me the health and tools I need to try to be a better version of myself every day.

Looking back on the year that just ended, I realize that I visited many coffee shops and came across many new brands. Some of them are not so commercial or well-known, but they turned out to be a real treat for the palate. Summarizing all the brands of ground coffee I tried, the one that definitely won my preference is a brand called Turpial. It is a coffee produced in my beloved Venezuela, and I love it because it combines all the characteristics of body, aroma, and flavor that I look for in my favorite hot drink.

I also really enjoyed visiting some coffee shops where the tranquility was simply unbeatable; it is precisely in those environments where I most love to enjoy a cup. I often leave home with the sole purpose of clearing my head, seeking refuge in the silence and the rich aroma that floats in the air. I prefer places that are not overly crowded, spaces with a pleasant atmosphere where I can sit down and calmly respond to messages or simply let my pen flow to write some ideas for my Hive content.

Sometimes when I'm at home, I feel overwhelmed by all the things I have to do. I feel like my energy or ability to concentrate is scattered when I have my entire to-do list in front of me; my focus somehow diminishes. When this happens, my “remedy” is to go to the mall near my home and sit down to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

I love that particular place: it's spacious, with lots of tables and chairs that give you that much-needed sense of privacy. You can even bring your laptop if you need to get some work done, as they offer Wi-Fi access for customers. Plus, it's almost impossible to resist accompanying your cup of coffee with some of the sweets they sell, which are truly delicious.

I like to frequent that café because the peacefulness is one of the factors that attracts me the most. Although it is a very popular place, the layout of the space makes it feel cozy; it is a versatile place where you can buy something to go if you are in a hurry, or stay and enjoy the moment. From the moment I enter the mall, the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans guides me like a compass. The atmosphere, the respectful silence, the decor, the lighting, and the impeccable presentation of the coffee are, for me, an extra bonus that I always enjoy to the fullest.

However, there are days—like today—when I greatly appreciate being at home full-time, without unexpected visitors and maintaining a calm schedule. I enjoy those deep sleeps and finally crossing off those tasks that I've been putting off since last year (hehehe).

For now, my goal is to get organized to take advantage of this grace period before the routine returns to its usual pace, where I have to wake up early, go to bed late, and where the hustle and bustle is once again the norm. This year brings with it many personal challenges; time marches on, and so do I, God willing. At this stage, my absolute priority is my family and, of course, my health, which will be a vital factor in every decision.

And as this new year begins to unfold, I try to stay organized, cultivate calm, and learn to take advantage of the blessings that life gives us, even in the face of adversity. Because in the end, that's part of being alive and growing in wisdom. I raise my rich coffee to a prosperous and blessed year for all of you.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)