I don’t remember when my love affair with coffee began, but like many good love stories, it had to come to an end at some point. And boy, when it did there was some major heartbreak followed by some early morning hookups and finally growth and independence. Overall, giving up coffee has taught me a lot, but that doesn’t mean it was or still is necessarily easy.

1. I thought I would never be able to live without coffee

When I was challenged to give up coffee, I thought I would surely fail, which probably says more about why I needed to give it up than anything else.

2. The smell of coffee is still one of my favorite things

Like the smell of books, I could take it in all day. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t walk down the coffee aisle and soak up the smell of fresh beans everytime I go to the grocery store

3. I love coffee flavored ice cream too

Just like indulging in the smell of coffee, I also occasionally eat a giant bowl of coffee-flavored ice cream.

4. Tea is actually pretty good

I used to tell people that I hate tea. It was me and coffee or nothing. However, now that I have actually tried it, I have discovered that it is just as enjoyable.

5.There are days when I still really miss coffee

When the stress starts to become overwhelming I always want to run back into coffee's warm, stimulating embrace.

6. It is empowering to know that I don’t need it

However, it is empowering to know that I don’t need coffee to make it through the mornings or through stressful periods in my life. I am capable enough to do it all on my own.

6. A part of me will always love it

Coffee was one my first great loves. Much like ending a relationship results in a person always having a soft spot in your heart, coffee will have one in mine.

Coffee, I loved you once, and part of me loves you still, but our relationship cannot go on.