Daily Inspiration | "Tea Time = "Me Time"

This morning when I went to brew my daily cup of tea, I remembered having recently purchased a box of Oregon Chai. I opted to try the expectantly scrumptious Chai versus my usual blend. As I unearthed the teabag from its pretty purple pouch, I noticed a matching purple tag dangling from its little white string.  You know the tag - the one that keeps your tea bag from slipping into the deep dark depths of your lovely cup of tea.  On the tag there was a short quote which read "Ooh, you've really got Me Time down." I chuckled out loud and then thought to myself, why yes I do!

You see, my daily "Tea Time" does equal my daily "Me Time."  Time to relax, to reflect, to think about all that the day may bring. Time to check my email, Facebook, blog, Twitter, - in other words, time to get inspired. I don't think of "Me Time" as an act of selfishness.  On the contrary, I think of it as vital. Everyone needs some time for themselves and a 30 minute daily dose is just the amount I would prescribe if I was a doctor, which I'm not - but you get the point right?  Unless we take time for ourselves, how can we be truly effective in all other areas of our lives?       

           

Ever since I was a child, I have always appreciated these little tea bag tags and their tiny words of wisdom. I think I was about seven or eight years old when this fascination began. My mum used to work part-time in an antiquated building which contained a large freight elevator.  This elevator was very old, extremely loud, and made entirely of wood.  Yes, that was not a typo, I said (or rather typed the word) wood.  Despite its appearance, likelihood of getting stuck, or falling to pieces altogether; for some strange reason, I was not afraid to ride on that thing.

I would happily hop inside the rickety wooden elevator with my mum and begin the long journey to the upper level of the building. Perhaps, my fear was non-existent because I was distracted, and later comforted, by the thousands of Red and White "Salada" Tea bag tags which covered the entire interior of the elevator walls.  They were tacked onto the wood by staples and they were everywhere, and I mean e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e!  All of those tiny words of wisdom for my viewing pleasure, I was completely enchanted!  I loved to see how many I could read before we reached our floor.  I would challenge myself on the way up and then see if I could beat my record on the way down.  

 

Looking back, those tea bag tags and their miniature words of wisdom taught me many things; to stop and smell the roses, to learn a little something new every day, to think deeply about and appreciate things (especially the small things) and to continually challenge myself.  Oh, and let's not forget, they also taught me to not be afraid of elevators - especially those not made out of wood! 

As some may guess my admiration of tea bag tag wisdom eventually led to an appreciation for actual tea drinking.  Despite that many years have passed and although I am older and wiser, those tiny tags are still able to inspire me in many ways.  I am grateful for the fact that something so simple from my childhood evolved into a daily tradition for me. After all, "Tea Time = Me Time."  

Food for thought:  What are your "Me Time" rituals? What (or whom) inspired you to take this vital daily time for yourself?  Why do you think it is important? Thanks in advance for sharing your tiny words of wisdom in the comments section below! 

Inspiringly yours, 

~ Robin Adair