The lead picture was edited by Canva.
Today afternoon was very hot. The feeling, even though I am just sitting, I can feel the heaviness of the hot wind. I’m sweating even not doing anything. I can feel like hard to breathe. My throat felt dry, and I was just remembering having some iced coffee to comfort myself in the warm weather. I know myself, coffee has always been my comfort drink. For other people, tea or juice for them relax. But mine is coffee. It’s like a small friend always there. In the morning, I like it hot to wake me up. But evening or on a hot afternoon, I like it iced coffee and it’s perfect. So I went to the kitchen. When I opened the cupboard, and saw the Old Town caramel coffee sachet. Just seeing it made me smile. It does not come from the café, but for me, this is perfect. I boiled some water, and put some in the mug, then I mixed the powder. The smell of the aroma of the coffee caramel can be smelled all over the kitchen. So yummy, like inviting. I feel relaxed even though I haven’t drunk yet. After that, I went to the freezer. And take the ice and put some ice in the glass. I put the hot coffee mix in the glass with ice cubes, and it’s perfect timing. Oh, this is the answer to the very hot weather.
Then I watched the coffee swirl, slowly cooling down. Ang simple lang, pero ang saya ko sa moment na to, hahahaha First sip—OMG, heaven! The caramel tasted sweet with a bit of saltiness, the coffee was soft and rich, and the cold drink was just what I want. I can feel good after my sip. I sat on my chair and enjoyed my cold drink. No need a grand trips, shopping, or anything expensive to be happy. Sometimes, like a glass of iced coffee on a hot day—the smell, the ice, the sweetness. Simple things, but they make us happy. I slowed down while drinking. All my stress about the weather has gone away. And all just slow down, no rushing, just me and my iced coffee. And it felt so peaceful. A gentle reminder to pause, even for just a moment. Because of these small pauses, they are the ones that will give me the balance in life. When I finished the glass, I felt lighter, yes, outside still hot, but my mood. I wasn’t tired anymore. That drink cooled not only my body but also my mind. And I was thankful for that. And I told myself, I don’t need to wait for big occasions to feel joy.
I realized that happiness does not always need big things. I can create it in small ways, even at home. That simple thought already made me feel thankful. Sometimes, we think joy comes from travels, shopping, or expensive plans. But the truth is, the moments we call “simple” are often the ones that bring us real happiness. Life will always be messy and busy. There will always be problems, noise, and stress. But I believe life also becomes meaningful when we learn to pause and enjoy little things. For me, joy showed up on a hot afternoon, when I made myself a glass of iced caramel coffee. It was not something big, but it was enough. The coffee was cold, sweet, and smooth. Every sip felt like comfort on a hard day. The ice, the caramel smell, and the smooth coffee made me smile. Even a bad day feels lighter with one glass. Caramel coffee is sweet, a little salty, and just right for me. It is simple joy in a glass.
