What is a "Carb Lover", anyway?

As someone who lives a life of moderation, I don't have many vices. But, I do have my go-to "comfort blankets," if you will. The things that are sure pick-me-ups, the mood-boosters, the cherry-on-top kind of moments.

I mean, isn't that why we start our mornings with a cup of coffee? Or, is that just those of us who aren't quite morning people?

Truly, my morning coffee is much less about the caffeine than it is the comfort of the warm mug in my hands. I look forward to it. It gets me out of bed... well, actually the baby gets me out of bed. But, you get my drift.

There's something so enticing about a morning ritual surrounding coffee. From choosing the mug for the mood, to selecting a brew method; it's a familiar sequence of events that brings me into the right headspace to start my day.

Could I survive without my coffee? Sure. Would I enjoy a non-caffeine-aided life? Absolutely not.

I feel similarly about carbs. Genuinely for as long as I can remember I have always said my favorite food was bread. A literal comfort food--it was a definite go-to in my younger, "what is life?!" moments. And while I still love and enjoy bread and carbs at every single bite, I have to say that it is much less of a "need" at this stage in my life. I'm sure my diminishing metabolism thanks me for that... everything in moderation, amiright?

As a self proclaimed foodie, I have to say I can be pretty choosy with my carbs these days. But because of that--that choice of quality over quantity--the comfort blanket moment they provide becomes even more cozy. It's like I went from an afghan blanket with my toes sticking through the crocheted flowers, to my favorite oversized flannel quilt. From: drafty existence to total encapsulation of warmth, tranquility, and utter "comfiness."

Since starting my sourdough microbakery, my focus has always been on quality. But the further along I get in my business, the more and more I recognize the importance of quality as a lifestyle and not just as a way to describe the ingredient list for my upcoming bakes. It's something I strive for daily, and a goal that I will not allow myself to shy away from.

So what even is a Carb Lover, you ask?

In short: it's what I lovingly refer to my customers as.

But really, to me, it's someone who appreciates the deeper meanings of indulgence. It's recognizing that indulgence is not a bad thing. It is taking that bite of the Dirty Chai Latte Croissant that you just bought, and pausing to notice the complexity of each spice, of each texture, and of each rich scent. It is experiencing versus existing. It is choosing to be, instead of to do. It is: joy.

And to be honest with you, the world needs more joy.

So, the next time you see me post in a caption "Good Morning, Carb Lovers!", I hope it makes you think of that last sentiment, and it gives you a moment to cultivate joy in your life in one way or another. It could be a simple gratitude moment, a small prayer for all that you are thankful for. Or, it could be simply allowing yourself a moment of indulgence in your favorite cereal or pastry.

Embrace indulgence; find joy.