A year ago, as a mom of an LGBTQ+ offspring, I had a withdrawal. I felt defeated with the world at large, and my instinct was to focus only on myself and my little family. My mental health was too important. My therapist told me to protect the house, and I took it literally.
I cancelled all plans and took a deep breath from life. I loved it so much that I decided this holiday season would look similar. My new motto: let me have my holiday coffee in peace.
Why coffee, you ask? Because I love coffee. I love the seasonal coffees, like pumpkin and peppermint mocha. I drink my coffee black so I can really enjoy its flavor. That’s how much I love it. My first cup of coffee each morning is savored like the saint it is. Fun and festive mugs have become a thing for me. If it comes with a saucer, holy moly, jackpot. This morning ritual starts my day off on the right foot.
I hope you are feeling the joy come through the screen about how much coffee means to me. Now let’s talk about how coffee relates to my mental health.
My coffee cup is full of intentions. I want those intentions to seep into the rest of my day. That positive attitude permeates all facets of my life if I let it. I’m letting it.
Mess with my well-being and mental health, my cup of coffee, you mess with my happiness. If you mess with my happiness, you don’t belong in my life.
I don’t expect never to be challenged or questioned. Respectful discourse is necessary for living and growing. I have morals and values that have held strong for a long time. I don’t expect everyone else to have those same morals and values. Diversity is a blessing of life. I think we are all wonderfully and beautifully made. Our children deserve love and respect, no matter who they are.
I’ve realized over the past year just how many people don’t think the way I do. That’s ok, again, diversity in thought is important. I have the choice to enjoy my holiday coffee in peace, without being surrounded by things that harm my well-being and my family’s.
We have this precious time of life with our children at home. Believe me, the beautiful split seconds that last for years are fleeting blessings.
If letting me have my holiday coffee in peace makes me a healthier and better mom, you bet I’m enforcing it. I’m protecting the house by enjoying that coffee and letting it uplift me. It’s worth the peace for my family.
A slower and quieter holiday season was everything I wanted it to be last year. It created more meaning and bonding. Go have your holiday coffee in peace.
