Coffee and the Pursuit of Happiness
In fact, caffeine does not in any way aid in my cognition or alertness.
Now, to be fair, I must admit that coffee does absolutely nothing for me. I have spoken to others who disliked coffee for a majority of their lives, only to turn to it in desperation during some dismal era in which caffeine became necessary for existence. From that point forward, they were inexorable hooked. That is not me. I do not need coffee. In fact, caffeine does not in any way aid in my cognition or alertness. This is both a blessing and a curse (to borrow the cliché). On one hand, I don’t have to have my daily dose in order to feel human in the morning, but sometimes I wish waking up was as simple as a steamy sip – no matter how nasty. While cranking out papers and projects around 3am at my favorite 24-hour haunt, fellow students gasp and stare when I order Hot Chocolate, their blood-shot eyes wondering, “How in the world is she staying awake?” The truth is: I have no idea. I would gladly give in to addiction if in exchange I could receive the gift of alertness. Some told me I was imagining this indifference to caffeine. They said that I would feel different if I gave coffee a chance. I did. After a night of coffee tasting, post two espressos and a latte, I nearly dosed off driving home. Granted – it was after midnight – but there was no effect whatsoever.
That being said, some have wondered why I would even attempt to like such a disgusting flavor. I think this is hard to understand for those of us who have always fostered such ultimate disdain. The answer is very simple. Over the past months, I began to seek new experiences, new opportunities, and to test those things to which I have held. One of those things – though rather inconsequential – was my hatred of coffee. I wondered how strong that hatred really was. Was it a habit? A conviction? A preference? A phobia? Or was it simple stubbornness? I didn’t know… and I still don’t. Much of this particular quest is to see if it is possible, by force of will, for me to change who I am. My hatred of coffee has always been so strong that has defined me in some way. Is it truly possible to redefine oneself? I believe it is, and this is the chronicle of that experiment.
I can’t say that I’m completely clueless about coffee; to pretend that I am utterly ignorant would be lying. There are very few subjects about which I have absolutely no knowledge. For example: I know that the person who makes coffee is called a barista, and no, the guys are not called barristers - that's a lawyer. Haha. I like to feign ignorance, but there is a lot to learn. I want to know about growing beans, roasting beans, grinding beans, storing beans, coffee countries, coffee history, flavor, freshness, brewing, machines and apparatuses, and the culture of coffee in our society. If at times I write something completely stupid, just give me the benefit of he doubt, and assume I am attempting humor. That would be best for all of us, but mostly for me.
So why am I doing this?Though coffee has never done anything for me, I believe it brings people together.I have not talked to a single person who did not have something to say on the subject.Love it or hate it, everyone has an opinion on coffee.A large part of what I have enjoyed thus far has been talking to people, spending time with people, and getting outside of my usual realm of influence.I intend to continue this pursuit with purpose and the passion of a life worth sharing.Perhaps… just perhaps… in seeking coffee knowledge, I will learn much more about myself than I had dreamed.Then I will never again be able to say that coffee has done nothing for me.
I appreciate all comments, recommendations, and suggestions.
If you would like to join me for coffee, you are welcome to contact me from the Contact page, linked above.
Thank you
ORIGINAL COMMENTS
Anonymous, April 25, 2011 at 9:52 PM
Very well written. I admire you for trying something you have a hatred for, because as I sat reading your coffee journey, I wondered if I would go down the same path for my hatred of black licorice or something I do not like at all. My answer is no, period...
Unknown, May 18, 2011 at 4:03 PM
No, I am not a coffee fan either, but willing to experiment and open myself up to the journey as-well. Keep it coming, Rachel. This has been a great ride so far. And yes, I know this is a late post but I have been following, just haven't been commenting!!! I am changing that too!!!
