Simple Pleasures

It's been a long weekend.  Yes, that is mostly a good thing, as I think we all need the break (I know I needed it).  Still, it's been long and loaded, with much to do, much to think, and much to feel.  And tomorrow, we're back to work - back to the phone calls, meetings, emails, reports ... back to the grind.  So today, let's just enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Let's take today to think about the things that make us smile that don't cost much money, don't take much time to prepare, and don't require much effort.  The things that we can do (or have) just about anywhere, anytime, with (or without) anyone.  

For me, one of life's simplest pleasures is coffee.

Though caffeine is a stimulant - and I do not drink decaf - it actually has the opposite effect on me (hey, I never claimed to be normal).  A nice warm cup of coffee is soothing, calming.  If there's time to make a cup first thing in the morning, it calms the rush of getting ready.  If the morning is too hectic, a cup of coffee during the commute slows things down to prepare for the day.  In the middle of a stressful day, the world can stop for just a brief moment while I take a sip.  It's a simple way to take a break, a quick way to catch up with an old friend, the perfect way to end a delicious meal.  To me, coffee is the simplest way to get lost in a moment of pure peace, despite the crowd, the chaos, or the obligations that surround me.  And it allows me to get back to that crowd, that chaos, that list of obligations just a bit more relaxed and refreshed.

As I sit here with my computer and my coffee, I encourage you to take a moment to find the simple pleasures in your life.  Of course there are more meaningful things in life, as well there should be.  But it's nice to be able to have the simple pleasures to turn to no matter what else is going on (or what isn't).  What's your simple pleasure?

**If you like what you read, tell a friend!  Actually, tell me too - post a comment below!!  If not, well ... I'm all for honesty, but please be gentle!