Yes, my beverages talk to me.

It all began in January of 2012. My coffee told me to create and I listened. Thank goodness that I did—had I not, I’m not certain I would be here today.

A series of strange and life altering events happened after moving to a new city. The events ultimately led to my depression and following, my inability to work as a strategic graphic designer and illustrator. The depression caused a domino effect: income loss, lack of creativity, financial difficulties—everything seemed so out of control.

This was a dark place for someone who was once happy, fun loving and creative.

On January 1, 2012, I grabbed hold of my life and decided to create my way out of depression.

My goal in 2012 was to create 366 illustrations by December 31, 2012; to somehow find a way back to creativity and fill my heart with joy.

Something amazing happened while creating these positive coffee-inspired illustrations: they made people happy. Each daily illustration posted throughout social media had a positive affect on someone. It’s heart warming to read comments from followers each day.

While I’m still fighting my way back, I feel better today because of this daily creativity. Coffee, illustrations and life are moving me slowly forward.

On December 31, 2013, I will have 731 caffeinated illustrations complete.

I will celebrate more than the pending new year, I’ll celebrate achievement. How many people could create an illustration a day, and as a result, turn their life around and experience happiness and connectedness to people?

My goal is to continue sharing, to make people smile, to inspire others and to help someone get through one more day. Each day, I am blessed with creativity and am grateful for the connections I have made and the hearts that I have touched.

For now and the days to come, I take one day at a time, I celebrate the small things, sip my coffee, enjoy my family, my friends, my life and continuously search for inspiration in each moment.

Ponder the possibilities.

How can we adjust our sails?

A reminder to everyone to give love because it makes us big inside.

Ponder your purpose and explore what makes you happy! It may be something small and comforting or something larger and more meaningful. Whatever it is, stir it, brew it and drink it in.

Life can be full of so much.

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Editor: Catherine Monkman

{Photos: Copyright Jennifer Cook.}