The one thing without which I cannot function

 I know what you are thinking: the answer to that must be love, correct?

The grammar puritans frown at the double negative. Tut! Tut!

If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it is this: we can survive and be happy with a lot less than we think we need.

Last year, I developed a condition that we presume is a side effect of the COVID vaccine. I still advocate for vaccination; no questions about that.

Due to this side effect, I must avoid certain foods, including caffeinated products. As someone who started my day with a cup of tea, this has been a difficult transition. Yet, I can confidently say that my diet has been healthier in general. 

When I go through challenges in life, I ask myself: what lesson is the Universe trying to teach me?

And my answer to this was: know that I can live without things I deem "essential". I experienced symptoms for many months, making me empathize with those with long-standing illnesses. 

As my symptoms continue to fade, I feel energized. This morning, I asked myself: should I ever go back to my earlier routine of a cup of tea in the morning?

In one of her interviews, Sudha Murthy, philanthropist, and Chairperson of Infosys, said she does not drink tea or coffee. She said she has no addictions. 

Now that life has forced me away from my lifelong habit, should I go back to my one cup of tea in the morning addiction or break free forever?

What is the one thing without which you cannot function? The answer is you can keep going without most of the things on your list. Life's flavor simply changes when you exclude its essences.