More Than a Mug

“The feel of a perfectly shaped coffee mug as it’s cupped in both hands. Warm. Cozy. Comfort.”, a quote from my about page, in the section about things that bring me joy.

It’s a simple thing, but sometimes I think there’s more joy to be squeezed from those little moments that could go unnoticed, except for the fact that we noticed them.

A gift.

Enjoying a cup of coffee is itself a pleasant experience. It smells divine, the taste is incredible, it warms your body, sometimes your soul too. Having a cup of coffee (or other warm beverage) is its own reward. Even when we drink it on the go, it is a moment of joy.

But when paired with curling up in a comfy chair to read a good book, snuggling under a warm blanket to enjoy a fire, or a crisp morning just as the sun illuminates the sky, that cup of coffee becomes more than just a nice cup of coffee. It transforms into a quiet, still moment, where we slow down and notice the details that amplify the joy we feel.

One of those details for me is the way that the warm mug feels in my hands. The shape, the curve, the size, the weight, the shape of the rim… it all contributes something to my experience. I notice all of those details, savoring the experience before I take my first sip. It’s a meaningful pause.

A moment to be grateful.

I have several mugs that I love. They each have something special about them that makes holding them and sipping from them more enjoyable. Right now, I have 3 or 4 favorites that I rotate between. All of them are different, but there’s something about each that I love.

But there is one cup that reigns supreme, and I don’t even own it yet (but I will come my birthday):

The Waffle House mug.

Everything about the Waffle House mug is amazing. The size, the weight, the rim, the curvature…It’s perfect.

My favorite thing about it is that it fits in my hands like it was made just for me. I can wrap my hands around it completely, which is like heaven on a cold morning. The warmth of the coffee-filled mug echoes the warmth I feel in the moment, briefly just me and the perfect cup of coffee, even if I’m not alone.

Notice the small things that amplify your joy. Be grateful for them. Honor them. These moments are too beautiful to overlook, but it’s far too easy to do so.

What brings you joy? What small detail amplifies it? What do you love about your favorite coffee cup?

I was inspired to write this post after a conversation with my Mama about how much I love this mug, and it ended with her asking me if that’s what I want for my birthday this year (which is coming up fast). Yes. Unequivocally, emphatically, yes. Thanks, Mama. I love you!

Header Image by Barnabas Piper on Unsplash