I love waking up to coffee brewing and taking the first sip, enjoying it slowly as the drink warms and awakens me. It is my morning ritual.

As soon as I can stumble out of bed, I turn on the Keurig. My day doesn't start until my coffee has worked its magic.

While the caffeine may give me the energy I need for my day, what really draws me to the drink is more than the caffeine.

1. Drinking coffee is a tradition.

During high school, every morning my mom and I would lounge in the living room with a strong cup of coffee.

We idly sipped as we talked. Half awake, we talked about everything and anything – our plans for the day and our dreams from the night before. Although we were tired, we were present in the moment while drinking coffee. Our mornings spent over coffee, although simple, are some of my fondest memories.

In college, I start my days the same -- with a cup of coffee. It is my time I give to myself. I drink in the happiness and comfort, and I am content.

“Coffee is a lot more than just a drink; it’s something happening. Not as in hip, but like an event, a place to be, but not like a location, but like somewhere within yourself. It gives you time, but not actual hours or minutes, but a chance to be, like be yourself, and have a second cup.” - Gertrude Stein

2. I enjoy conversations over coffee.

I love the music and conversations that fill cafés, as well as the smells and sounds of coffee being made.

However, there is nothing I love more than meeting up with friends for a coffee break. It is a reason to leave campus, catch up with friends and clear my head from studying. Some of the best conversations happen over coffee.

"Good communication is just as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

3. I love the taste of coffee.

This may come to you as a shock, but I didn’t always like coffee. One day I gave it another chance, and I acquired a taste for it.

Now, there is no going back.

With a variety of flavors and roasts, there is always something new to try. Since coffees are imported from various geographical regions, no kind is the same. Every coffee offers a new flavor and experience of its own.

"No one can understand the truth until he drinks of coffee's frothy goodness." - Sheik Abd al-Qadir

4. Coffee = Creativity

I love drinking coffee while I write, aiding in my creative process. Whether it is the caffeine or the comfort, coffee helps make my thoughts and ideas come together (even in the early morning).

"As soon as coffee is in your stomach, there is a general commotion. Ideas begin to move... similes arise, the paper is covered. Coffee is your ally and writing ceases to be a struggle." - Honore de Balzac

Go ahead, make yourself a cup (or pot) of coffee and enjoy.