I am a tea lover, especially Indian tea. I am sure that being born in India and raised in England had a role to play in my love for tea. You might be wondering how this connects to motivation. Before I explain that, let me share a little background about my journey with tea. I have always loved tea, and ever since I was young, I’ve had the habit of drinking two cups a day with two teaspoons of sugar. Because of this habit, I’ve made friends and meaningful connections over the years. Tea has always been more than just a drink for me — it’s been a way to bond, share stories, and connect with people.
During my time in the UK, my tea drinking habit kept my kitchen lively. My friends and I looked forward to making and enjoying tea together. We even discovered the perfect tea masala from a small Indian grocery store nearby. For me, a visit to my house without tea feels incomplete, as if something cozy and inviting is missing. Fresh tea was prepared four or five times a day at the house where I grew up, often even more when relatives and guests dropped by. As you may know, making Indian tea is a process that takes time — and that’s what makes it special. It brings people together, while also demonstrating patience and compassion.
So, why am I sharing all this about my tea habit?
When I moved to Canada to live with my family, I saw the challenges my mother faced as she managed diabetes. One of these challenges was giving up sugar in her tea. In an effort to support her, I decided to give it up too (not tea, just the sugar). It was a small decision, and from that day on, I stopped adding sugar to my tea. Now, if someone offers me tea with sugar, it just doesn’t taste right anymore.
When I was younger, I never really thought about fruits, salads, or whether sugar was bad for me. I simply enjoyed delicacies like cakes and chocolates without thinking about it; that concept just didn’t exist in my thoughts. However, after giving up sugar in my tea, I noticed that my cravings for other sweets decreased. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy them anymore — I still love a fresh slice of cake or a piece of my favorite chocolate, especially in the afternoon when I need a little boost.
My take is this, if you can’t make a change for yourself, do it for a friend or family member by supporting them in their goal. In the process, you’ll stay motivated and may achieve your own goal as well.
My passion for tea has taught me more than just how to make the ideal cup; it has taught me how little routines may lead to positive outcomes. What began as a simple show of support for my mother turned into a lesson in self-control, compassion, and drive. Similar to how tea unites people, mindful practices and common objectives can bring out our best qualities.
