Eight months later: The Coffee & Words journey continues

When I wrote my first Coffee & Words post in February 2025, I had no idea how much my life would change in the months that followed. I left a job, took a pay cut for my mental health, launched a community newspaper, and survived what I now call my “Purple Rain” year – finding solace in love and faith amidst chaos.

But through it all, one thing remained constant: my morning ritual of coffee and words.

Every morning, no matter what crisis was unfolding, I’d sit on my couch (or on my balcony overlooking the lake when the sun was just right), wrap my hands around a warm mug, and center myself with coffee and reflection. Some mornings it was journaling. Some mornings it was planning. Some mornings it was just… breathing.

Coffee & Words isn’t just a business I’m building. It’s the practice that’s always steadied me.

And now, as I head into 2026 – my “Year of Reclaim” – I’m returning to this brand with fresh eyes and renewed purpose. Yes, there will still be stackable mugs with Signature Word Story® definitions (those are coming!). But Coffee & Words is bigger than products. It’s about the daily ritual of pausing, reflecting, and showing up for yourself – one coffee, one word at a time.

Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing:

• My local coffee adventures (the search for the perfect beans continues!),
• Morning ritual practices (how I actually DO Coffee & Words),
• The intersection of journalism and daily reflection,
• Book and article recommendations for your own coffee time,
• Behind-the-scenes of building this brand

Whether you’re a longtime coffee enthusiast like me, a writer seeking morning inspiration or someone simply trying to create more intentional moments in your day – welcome. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup, and let’s continue this journey together.

Here’s to coffee, words, and the resilience we discover in both,

Tracy