Updated: September 11, 2018
“Good morning Fitz, are you having the usual?”
“Yes please.”
As I wait for my latte to be prepared, I can’t help but feel a hint of sadness. This Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branch near my office has been comforting me for the last two years. A place I often visit to start my morning right, boost me up through a lazy afternoon, or relieve some stress from the overtime work I just rendered.
Starting tomorrow, I know, I won’t be able to go here anymore to hear the friendliness of James, Edward, and the other baristas who have known me for quite some time and have treated me exceptionally as one of their loyal customers.
“Here’s your coffee, Fitz. Enjoy your day at work.”
“Thanks, have a nice day yourself, James.”
“Thanks Fitz and see you again tomorrow.”
I slowly walked away from the counter. Restraining myself from telling the truth. My mind debated against my will not to say goodbye to them. I rationalized that it’s not the end of the friendship and time will come that I’ll see them again – in another moment, another circumstance.
Nostalgic and uncertain of what lies ahead – I made my way to the office, coffee in hand, ready for my last day at work. Tomorrow, my life as an entrepreneur begins.
About this story
This was my winning piece to the Flash Creativity Workshop which I attended last June 24th at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Bonifacio High Street (BHS), Global City, Taguig. Many thanks to Dean Alfar for choosing my story and the fantastic lecture on Creative Nonfiction. Likewise, to the management of CBTL for the wonderful mug and gift certificates, which I won. 🙂
Consequently, this shall also be my entry to the “What’s Your Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Story” contest. If you have your own CBTL story to tell, then I encourage you to join and get a chance to win a free trip to Hollywood. Writers, photographers and film makers are all invited to participate.
Furthermore, I would just like to share some additional thoughts regarding the inspiration of this entry.
The story I shared above is one of the most powerful memories I’ve had during the time when I finally decided to quit the corporate world. As I’ve shared in my life story, jumpstarting my path towards financial freedom has been quite a challenge. It was and still is, a real test of focus, perseverance, and determination.
Starting your way towards the path of entrepreneurship can also be quite difficult. What lies ahead are big changes in your daily routine, work perspective, and financial habits. And yet despite all these uncertainties, I can attest that it has been very rewarding and worth the risk.
Take comfort and be inspired with what American bestseller, Leo Buscaglia once said, “The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.”
i’m a certified CBTL addict. my day won’t be complete without it. the story you shared was simply great. short but touching. 🙂
Thanks dyosa. 🙂
Hey fitz! How touching and how inspiring.
Side Note: Quoting Leo Buscaglia is great! He is one of my favourite authors and one that has continued to encourage me in everything I do in life.
Thanks for sharing the story Fitz – – I wish you all the best in your future.
Cheers!
Chuva
[…] In the meantime, I’d like to share with you a creative non-fiction I wrote almost a year ago at CBTL in Bonifacio High Street. The story is posted in my other blog and is entitled, Morning Rituals. […]