A Cup of Mocha for the Soul

Whilst I revel in my job as Mum of three, I could most certainly live happily without the 4.30 am wake up calls from my eighteen-month-old son. This morning was one of those days. As usual, I dragged myself up and snuggled on the couch with him and his bottle of milk, until he jumped down and began playing with his toys and I allowed my eyes to close for a few seconds. I can always feel that he is safe, and periodically he comes over to check I am awake by poking my eye or giving me a hug. I confess to preferring the latter.

'How on Earth do you manage this every day, Claire? You should let him self-soothe himself back to sleep'. I must have heard these comments a thousand times, whilst parenting all three of the children, but truly, I'm ok with the early mornings and I sometimes get an extra early night to catch up if I feel drained.

I am not a strong believer in following 'the books' on how to raise kids; I have never really been one for following rigid rules. I appreciate that the psychologists and doctors who write them are well versed and studied in their specialist arenas, however I am not one for comparing my little ones with Pavlov's dog. Don't get me wrong, I do read some of these parenting books, and admit to having some in my collection which I sometimes take a peek in, but we all know that kids don't come with instructions and each one is very different from the others. I like to keep my children in my heart and follow my feelings.

And of course this is what I was doing today when I rose before the larks. The fact that this morning was a beautiful February day in snowy Canada helped keep me awake. It was a cold but bright winter's morning, when the sun reflects off the snow and everything feels so bright and clear. I drove to school quite happily, if a little sleepily.

Not surprisingly, Caleb, my eighteen-month-old 4 am riser, enjoys his morning nap when I drop my older two off at school, and by the time we reached our destination this morning, he was away in his little dream world as cosy as can be. After some quick goodbyes and a kiss for my five and seven year olds, (we are reaching the stage when this isn't cool any more), I headed off to the drive thru for my daily medium cafe mocha. Ok, so perhaps it is this caffeine that keeps me going!

This morning, I placed my order and paused a while as the lady in front of me seemed to be stalling. When I handed my money over to pay for my drink I was told that the lady in front had paid for me and wished me a happy day. Wow! What a feeling! That simple gesture of kindness filled me and lifted me so much. A stranger actually cared enough about my day to do that for me.

I was instantly wide awake and filled with energy, not really needing the cafe mocha, but empowered by a simple act of human kindness, my faith restored that the world is indeed changing for the better.

And so this trend of spreading a smile shall continue. I have made a promise that every morning I, too, shall buy the coffee for the person behind me in the drive thru queue, filling it with the energy of love and my wish for them to have a happy day.

It is my hope that as this gesture has now inspired me, so it shall inspire others to hold a hand out to a stranger, not because it is materially required, but because it is spiritually required. The exponential effect of that kind gesture lifted me sky high, and in turn my energy lifted my family, who lifted their friends and colleagues, outwardly spiraling as only those in spirit would know.

We can strive to clear our chakras, eat well, practice yoga, remember to smile and be nice, but there are days when this can be a strain to the most committed of us all. Why not buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you? You may just make their day and feel the benefits of their thanks in your heart. 

Thank you dear lady in the car in front of me, this morning. I don't know your name or your face, but I have experienced your heart. May your selfless gesture return to you in  happiness untold.

© Claire Timmis 2006