It's Your Life. Live It!

As I was making my cappuccino this morning, a thought struck me like a bolt out of the blue — slowing down is not the same as giving up!

Living in a 55+ community, we hear a lot of older folks talk about their “glory days” and how they have nothing to look forward to. To Judy and me, that’s just ludicrous. We’re always looking to do things better. As I approach retirement I find myself taking more time with some things, but it’s all in the spirit of doing better.

My cappuccino moment makes the case. 

Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed the morning jolt of caffeine that only coffee can provide, besides, I simply love the taste! For some 40 years, I’ve had a coffee maker sitting on the counter at home, and often one at work. Prep the thing the night before, hit the “on” button as soon as you wake up (or even better, set it to go off automatically), and pour yourself a cup (or two, or three, or four) of that miraculous nectar of the gods. Put the dregs in a go cup as you head out the door and you’ll be seeing sounds when you get to the office.

Then, a few weeks ago, it happened, one of those things you know is inevitable, but dread — our coffee maker gave up the ghost. Combined with a desire to be a bit healthier by drinking less caffeine, I consciously made the decision to not get a new coffee maker. I resurrected the espresso maker from its hiding place in the pantry with the goal to simply make one cappuccino a day. 

Making cappuccino at home is an intentional, methodical process. Ideally, you grind the beans needed for that one cup (I grind about a week’s work at a time, keeping the finely ground coffee in a sealed container). Carefully fill the filter with coffee to the right level and tamp it down. Twist the handle into the machine as it heats the water. Wait for the “ready” light to come on, then twist the knob or press the button to brew the espresso. When it’s reached the proper level in the cup, twist the knob to create steam for the milk-frothing wand. While that’s happening, pour cold milk into the pitcher. When the steam is ready, let the first initial shot of steamy water out of the wand, then carefully steam and froth the milk to the desired consistency. When it’s ready, pour it carefully over the espresso. Finally, before you enjoy your drink, wipe the wand clean, discard the grounds, and wash the pitcher for next time. 

All-in-all, the process takes me about five minutes, after which I slowly sip and savor the beverage. It tastes so much better than the standard cup of coffee and I get to truly enjoy the fruits of my labor. I’ve done this with other aspects of my life — feeling the burn in the muscles during a lift done correctly, carefully tasting a fine glass of wine, writing in longhand on a piece of paper. It’s about being intentional and doing things better. 

Slow down and truly enjoy all that life brings your way. Because it’s your life!

©Judy and Greg Romano – All rights reserved.