There I was at the Starbucks, phone in hand, app opened to scan the ‘scan in store’ barcode when the barista asks me: “Would you like to use your rewards today?” For a moment I froze. I don’t know, would I…? Should I use the points I’ve so carefully accumulated over many months of actually spending money on my coffee? Should I save them for some other day when I buy a fancier coffee? Should I wait and use this freebie on my birthday? Saving them up for that day when I want both a coffee AND a pumpkin loaf? So much to consider!
It was the second time this week I’ve been faced with this epic question “use points or money?” The first time had been when buying some plane tickets. Do the points expire? Lose value? Are they worth giving up for a $200 flight to Detroit? On the plane tickets, I just went ahead and spent the money thinking to myself – I’ll save them maybe for an upgrade or a more expensive flight.
Now of course, there are systems for figuring out how or whether to use your airline and credit card points so you can actually figure this out. But the Starbucks rewards…?
Regular readers may remember my annual Old Year’s Resolutions post. Two of my resolutions from this year were
1) To say yes before no
and
2) To always try to Be. Here. Now.
BOOM.
The answer that came to me there in the Starbucks drive through was yes. Yes, I WILL use my points. Life is unpredictable. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. I’ll take my flat white for free today. I proclaimed this to the barista and he whole-heartedly agreed. I wished him a good day, and he wished me a good day and it was, in fact, a good day.
What I’m Consuming
The Four Seasons (Netflix)
I vaguely remember seeing and enjoying the Alan Alda movie when I was a kid and we all watched the same stuff as the adults. It hits differently at 50-something. Amazing cast led by Tina Fey and Steve Carrell.
How to Keep House While Drowning:
A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing
by KC Davis
I’ve read more than my share of organizing books. I find most simply repackage the same advice— advice which only works for a few of us. If you’re neurodiverse or dealing with anxiety, depression or have simply bought into the idea that perfect order is possible and yet failed to achieve it… This book will serve you better. One of my favorite themes: ‘care tasks are morally neutral’.
What’s Up at StepOne
Mental Fitness for Life
Inner peace, clear-headed thinking, greater purpose and resilience in just 8 weeks. Next program starts in October. Learn more here.
Interested in Organizing, Coaching, or a little bit of both?
Schedule a no cost, no pressure, no commitment call with me.