There were times in my life when caffeine was like the letter “E” in the alphabet: It was everywhere. I drank multiple a day from various sources. At home. From the bakery. Decaf. Not decaf. Caramel lattes. Black tea. I enjoyed it all.
What I did not enjoy were some of the side effects. Occasional stomachaches and headaches. Feeling fidgety. Crashing when the caffeine wears off. Yesterday, I had my first cup after 35 days. Ahh, the return of the smell! The creamy taste. The warm blanket around my soul. But some of the side effects returned too. It made me think.
Some things don’t need to be their own letter in your life. They’re not meant to take up 1/26th of all the space you’ll ever have. Me and my buddy caffeine? Maybe it’s better if she’s only the accent on top of the “E,” not the “E” itself. To be savored in increments, not affluence.
It’s not just your story, you know? It’s also your language to design. Pick your letters—and place your accents carefully.