Perspective

I went to Starbucks yesterday during my free period. (Is it just me or is it weird that these epiphanies happen during my free period?) Anyway so I went there to get a drink. My usual Iced Grande Café Mocha (with whipped cream). Of course. The barista was a different one that is usually there. See, when I go there and my barista is there, she knows my order. Cool, huh?

Any hoodle, I get there and asked for my Mocha and she said “Coming right up!” in a jovial way. I handed her my money, smiled and went to lean in that casual and cool way up against the wall. In a few minutes my Mocha was finished. I was so prepared to dive right into that Mocha it wasn’t even funny.

She slid it onto the counter and said, “Enjoy!”
There was only one problem…

There was caramel on top. Yup. Caramel. Now, I’m not a big fan of caramel and it’s over powering taste is difficult to bare sometimes.

I was having a slight mental freak out over this for about 10 seconds. And then I thought, “Hey....”

Hey. What the hell am I thinking? Here I am. In this warm coffee shop. With lovely music playing. A mocha in front of me that was handed to me without any fuss. No one was trying to shoot me. I was completely safe and utterly privileged to be handed this drink without second thought…
And here I am complaining about a little caramel??

I should be ecstatic that something as nice as caramel was drizzled artistically on my beautiful Iced Grande Café Mocha (with whipped cream). Who am I to complain about a privilege?

In the 30 seconds that this took place, I changed my perspective on a lot of things. School is still a pain but I’m so lucky that I can walk into this building for free, without fear of being beaten mentally or physically. With wonderful friends. With amazing programs that are right at my fingertips.

So what I’m basically trying to say is… suck it up. We live in a society where we are privileged beyond belief. To complain is almost blasphemous. And whenever you’re feeling like the whole world is compiling against you, or you don’t really like the food your parents set in front of you, or school is taking a lot of your time… just hold it inside. And remember, there are millions and millions of people that are a hell of a lot worse off than you are and would be so grateful to just have a day in your shoes.
You are lucky. Really lucky.

So make the most of the little pleasures and gifts. Like a smile from a stranger. Or a hug from a friend.



Or even a little caramel on your Mocha.