My Tea Life

Almost a decade ago, I remember writing about my love for tea and my experiences with it. This evening while devouring my tea nostalgia, reflection on life and love consumes me.

One can ask, what’s in a cup of tea? It’s not simply a beverage or caffeine, for me it’s a whole bunch of emotions and tons of memories.

I remember my earliest memory of tea when I was in college, every day I sat in the same spot at home with a newspaper in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. It taught me the art of balancing, I’m trying to give myself more credit than I should but well if not me who else would now. This was the inception, my tryst and the beginning of my tea life.

Years went by, I’ve had tea at work, home, restaurants and everywhere else one can possibly think of but nothing beats the tea I make. The obsession and passion goes as far as me carrying fresh loose tea leaves even when I go on vacation (the goal is to always find an Airbnb).

This time around, much to my surprise, I decided to take the unconventional route and try a flavored tea - rose, I’ve always been a plain or ginger tea person. Looking back it was purely out of curiosity and the need to try something different and new I guess. Today the skeptical me brewed my first cup and it was love at first sip. Smooth, easy, fragrant and just the right notes - it hit my taste buds, heart, mind and soul all at the same time.

Even before I finished the big cup of tea (easily 8 ounces), yes it’s perfectly normal to drink that much tea - well that’s just me though. Going back to my tea spree this evening, in the good 5/6 minutes I travelled far and beyond in my mind. Loads of memories, situations and experiences crossed my mind. Some of the best moments of my life have been a simple cup of tea accompanied by conversations that’s so close and deep as much as the person itself.

I took this moment to reflect on my life and how far I’ve come, who would have thought a cup of tea can conjure up emotions and feelings like this.

The biggest takeaway is the fact that I was open to trying something different and stepping out of my comfort zone. Isn’t that what life is all about? Something as simple as this can teach you bigger things and make you look at life from a whole different perspective.

I guess this is what 40s look like now - looking at patterns and finding meaning in such trivial matters. I’m becoming a little more optimistic, confident, curious and eager with time. That’s the beauty of life !

My five minutes of tea experience brought me so much joy and peace, I feel love in my heart for the people I shared tea with and all those moments that make life special and worthwhile.

What does your tea or coffee make you feel? I’m curious to know.