A few years back, I used to go a particular coffee house nearly everyday. I was a regular; I had many friends there to chat with. I knew the owner well, knew the manager well. I even named a drink that was my special drink on the menu. In other words it was a home away from home.
The business was fairly new and as they grew they offered not only the regular to-go paper cup, but also a beautiful hand-made ceramic cup for in-house sipping.
Most everyone started using them. They were pretty and better for the environment.
I still ordered my to-go paper cup. Regardless if I was meeting someone there or planning on staying for an hour or more (which happened all the time).
At some point, I noticed that I had a "reaction" to the idea of the ceramic cup.
I never wanted one, in fact I found myself secretly offended that I was asked...and I had to make a choice about it.
I realized making this simple choice reflected a large part of my personality. I couldn't commit to a ceramic cup. It somehow suggested being immobile. Therefore, certain spontaneity was gone. If I did want to leave before I finished my tea, I would have another choice to make. I would have to go to the counter and ask for a paper-cup (there goes the environmental choice) then have to transfer the liquids (another chore). Or I could just leave it unfinished (but i'm not done). All wasteful choices with energy exertion to boot.
I have listed just a few real variables that could occur with a ceramic cup choice, but mostly what I was concerned about was the feeling of being "locked in" or dare I say, "hobbled" by my new ceramic ANCHOR that I held in my hand.
This train of thought may belay the idea that I don't make commitments in my life, quite the opposite. I behave like I have ceramic cup. Hunker down for the long haul or cuddle up and cozy in, get the work done and I am very dependable.
I think what it means that personal freedom is very important to me. I believe I will most often make the right choice, if given the space to think about it.
Ceramic cup people have strong roots and headquarters. They establish territory invite people into the fold. Paper cup people flit and make a little nest made in many places.
I guess the difference is that the big bad wolf could easily blow down a paper-cups house but not the ceramics abode... but paper-cups could create a new one.
With that said, I probably think to much about things of this nature.
