Settle in for a story

A cup of coffee enjoyed with a friend.

Rooibos tea with honey before bed time.

Ceylon tea that is made extra strong.

A glass of white wine enjoyed outside on a summer's day.

Red wine next to the fireplace when the rain is softly falling on the roof.

Humans are made for companionship and sharing our stories with those around us.

I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and we should listen with intent.

I am very idealistic, and believe that when the perfect environment is set, there is always the opportunity for a great story to be told.

Having the ones you care about close to you, while sharing one of the drinks above, sets the backdrop for the perfect story.

Growing up on a farm, we have tea together every morning at ten. My great grandmother always used to take out her best cups and mugs for us, and since she passed away a few years ago, my mother started to do the same thing.

I think it is so important, as it symbolises, that every time that we have tea together, even if it is on a normal day, it is a time to cherish with one another. It shows that life is too short to wait for the special event or day that the crockery should be saved for.

During tea time, we get to share anecdotes, dream about the weekend, make plans about what to have for supper, or sometimes just discuss the events of the morning.

The stories that are told over a cup of tea paint a picture. It gives more detail to someone's story, in order for the listener to understand the other person better.

May we never get so busy with life, that we stop having mid day tea together.

A glass of wine, shared with friends after not being able to see each other for a long a time, sets the scene for everyone to share a part of their story.

We get to connect in a way that we do not get to do when we are talking over the phone or sending messages. The laughter, philosophical ideas, and future plans that are shared among each other, binds friendship together with a tight bond that cannot easily be broken.

When I want to ask a dear friend for advice, learn more about them, or simply to have a sound board, a coffee at a cosy restaurant is always the answer.

A small booth, with curiously decorated walls and furniture, where the barista makes a joke to make you feel right at home is the perfect place for a coffee.

Sharing your story, your real story, is not as easy as social media portrays it to be.

It requires trust that is earned over time in order to be vulnerable around those that we let into our space.

The sense of safety when sharing your story with someone you trust is liberating.

You leave the conversation feeling that the weight of what you had to say has been lifted, and that someone understands, or is there for you. When you have friends like these, hold on to them. Make sure that you have coffee with them as often as possible, and never let an opportunity pass to learn more about them.

Our thoughts and ideas are shaped by those who we spend most of our time with.

May we cherish the people that we have the privilege to be sharing coffee, tea and wine with.