There was a period of about a hundred years recently, during which I was forced to abstain from caffeine. Ok, more like a couple of months, and I guess technically, ‘recommended’ rather than ‘forced’ would be the accurate term. Either way, it was far too long, and I didn’t like it. However. My enjoyment of a good cup of coffee appears infinitely increased as a result. Having emerged from a period of semi-enforced abstinence, every cappuccino, flat white, latte and macchiato is an exquisite and much appreciated pleasure. Every lovingly tempered jug of frothy milk, every carefully poured, foaming, leafy frond and dusting of cocoa, every bearded hipster barista, an absolute delight. All of which got me thinking about the unexpected consequences and little extras that I’ve been unconsiously accumulating over the last year. There are loads of them. 

Some of the extras come in the form of extra appreciation, as with the coffee. Others, are actual extras. Things that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t had the year I’ve had. Countless fantastic experiences with friends and family, facilitated by the need to ‘work’ from home during treatment, for example. A cruise lined up for my next big holiday, necessitated by the risks of long haul flying on my current drug regime. The list goes on. And on. But I won’t brag. Oh, except that I’ve got a lovely new haircut.

Obviously I’m not saying I’m glad that some of the less desirable stuff that’s gone on over the past year has happened. I mean, let’s be honest, no one hopes to be diagnosed with a potentially life threatening condition. No one whoops with delight at the thought of months of gruelling treatment. Well, maybe just a little bit, given the hoped-for end result. But since it did happen, I can’t be anything but grateful for all the positive things that came along with it. And I guess a slight change in perspective means I might also notice more of the positives that were there before. Yet another extra!

And the best thing? Free coffee at the hairdresser. I didn’t even miss out while I had no hair: I was off the coffee anyway.