By Ruthie Stoll, TIWP Student

One thing that never fails to give me a sensation of happiness is my daily trip to Starbucks. I’ve been going to the same one forever and, ever since I got my license, I’ve gone so regularly that it has become a part of my routine, a box to check off on the to-do list before I go about the rest of my day. While Starbucks certainly isn’t an extraordinary destination (nor does it offer the best bang-for-your-buck in terms of high-quality coffee), it is all the little things about this routine that make it so special, that make my heart happy, despite how insignificant it may seem.

I know the way to Starbucks so well that driving there feels like a moment of tranquility in my busy day. As I navigate the curves I’ve driven a million times before, I can put my windows down, take a breath, and put my mind at ease. That’s the beauty of going to the same place every day; it becomes second nature to you, allowing you to just enjoy the ride rather than worrying about where you are going to end up. The wind blows softly in my hair as I cruise down the street, with no worries in my head, just savoring the moment. 

I love that when I pull into the parking lot, I get to immediately engage in optimal people-watching. There are kids running around with Frappuccinos in their hands, while a few adults sit scattered around, all tuned into their laptops getting work done. I love seeing the same groups of moms there every time, all decked out in Lululemon, gossiping, and I love how I can eavesdrop on their conversation as I make my way into the store. 

My eyes light up at the sight of the same baristas who are always working when I come, usually around 10 o’clock. The same guy warmly welcomes me with a smile. He asks me if I want a Grande Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, to which I always nod yes. I feel a wave of joy rush through my body. It may seem silly to find it so heartwarming that he remembers my order, but to me, it serves as a symbol of how simple daily interactions can lead to a bond between two people. I only see this guy once a day, but by him remembering my order, I feel as though I’ve made a friend in him, a friend that I would likely never make considering he’s a 25-year-old male. I’m sure we have completely different lives, different interests, different goals, and different personalities. But in this setting, I feel like he gets me. 

I love watching them make my drink at the counter. I love watching them fill the cup up with ease and I love the satisfaction I get from seeing them pour the sweet cream in. I love how it blends with the coffee to make a beautiful swirl of brown and white that only lasts for a second. I like to look at the drinks sitting on the counter waiting to be picked up. I look to see what other people get, and I find it interesting to see how everyone has their own unique preferences. One person prefers an extra vanilla syrup shot, while another prefers no ice. It serves as a reminder of how different every individual is, how we all go through life liking different things. 

As I grab my drink and mix it with a straw, the swirl fades away into a perfectly golden brown color. I take my first sip, and a rush of bliss reaches my tastebuds, then swarms my entire body. A smile appears on my face as I head back to my car. Not only am I appreciating the taste and how perfect the coffee-to-cream ratio is, but I am taking in the fact that before this first sip came so many moments of joy—moments I must be aware of, even if they are easy to go unnoticed.