Do you know how many times in college I was caught guilty of roaming the malls aimlessly or wound up at a friend’s house where we’re all on our phones doing nothing?
Too many times in my opinion.
Now don’t get me wrong, my favorite college memories are the days I had no plans or intentions of making memories. But that being said, I definitely could have utilized my other time a little better (i.e. the time we all spent on the couch doing nothing). How many times have you and your friends looked at each other and decide you “have nothing to do”? But now, maybe you look back at all the things you wish you had done when you “had the time”.
The truth is, it’s not that you had nothing to do, you were bored and didn’t know what to do. Despite “living with less” as a minimalist, I don’t find myself as bored as often, if at all.
When I decided to start a slower, more sustainable lifestyle, I truly fell in love with the simple things; and when you’re in love (with the simple things) there is no such thing as a mundane day. I was able to connect on a deeper level with myself by doing the things that brought me true, immense happiness.
I started with things I enjoyed doing and tried to figure out how to do them more sustainably. Come to find out, I have a lot more hobbies than I thought. For example, I’m an absolute caffeine-pheen; I love making my coffee at home (because it’s perfect every time) but finding local shops either at home or when traveling has become a favorite past-time.
Now, I have a long list of favorites throughout my travels from the east coast to across the coast, but as I currently reside in Pittsburgh, PA I have finally begun to indulge myself in their local coffee-shop culture. I’ve lived here for the past seven years, and you would think that on a lazy Saturday morning my best friends and I would have wanted to venture to more local shops and stops; why has it taken me this long to find the best espresso in all of Pittsburgh? (Could have used it during finals that’s for sure.)
Basically, what I’m saying is to disconnect & be bored, by yourself & with friends (this part is important). Expand your horizon and try new things, you never know what you’re going to like (or dislike); but if you constantly resort to scrolling whenever you’re bored, you’re going to waste a lot of time you could be doing something you actually enjoy, which are probably the simple things.
For me, it’s the local coffee shops, morning walks with my pup, hopping into a bed with clean sheets, and watching my friends belly laugh. What is it for you? If the answer isn’t easy, take time to reconnect & allow yourself to fall in love with the simple things again.
Below you’ll find a list of (some) of my current favorite local coffee-shops in the Pittsburgh area. Be sure to share with a coffee-lover you know!
Local Pittsburgh Coffee Shop Favorites
