I Gave Up Starbucks for Lent, and This is What Happened

I should preface this post by explaining that there is a Starbucks conveniently in between my house and my school. The newer drive-thru offers even more convenience to my already problematic addiction. I should also include that this post is in no way sponsored by Starbucks, RedBull, or Goodkind Coffee.

Originally, I gave up Starbucks because it was truly the only thing that I did every single day. On January 5th, I quit using tobacco and since that was no longer an option to try to give up for Lent, I needed to dig deeper and really think about something I could give up. My mom fought tooth and nail with me when I was a kid to give things up for Lent, however now that I am a “grown up” (ew), I am starting to understand the importance of Lent more. It is not so much giving something up, but doing something to try and better yourself.

So let me explain – in no way did I give up coffee or caffeine, I’m not that psychotic. However, I noticed that my trips to Starbucks before school almost became an “auto-pilot” kind of thing. It started when I was in one of my first semesters back at college after a year hiatus. I used Starbucks as a bribe for myself. “If you get up and out of the house by 7:00, you can get Starbucks before your 8:00 AM class”. Most of the time, it worked, and I was content in class.

So what have I learned?

The first few weeks of Lent, I allowed myself to have Starbucks on Friday’s (instead of Sunday’s) as a treat for making it through the school week. However, as the days went on, I found myself driving past the Starbucks on my way to school without even noticing it. I also noticed myself not wanting the sugared drinks or the sizes that they offered. I found myself falling out of love with Starbucks.

I may have been consuming more RedBull than I usually do. I usually only have RedBull on the days that I work, so like twice, maybe three times a week. I noticed that while I was consuming what felt like more caffeine, I couldn’t have been more tired. So I had to kick the RedBull to the curb too, and go back to just drinking it on work days. I felt like I was becoming too dependent on it. Also, the 7-11 by my house started running out of the good flavors of RedBull, so I guess out of inconvenience I gave it up. (And for every old geezer reading this telling me that RedBull is going to kill me – so is that milk you’re drinking, pork you’re eating, and car you’re driving, I’m here for a good time not a long time, kay?)

My wallet was happier. I went from spending between $6 and $9 PER DAY on Starbucks, to spending maybe $2-$3 on RedBull or coffee from other places. $9 Starbucks for 49 days (The approx. duration of lent) is $441. More than half of my rent on coffee in 49 days is insane. With giving up using tobacco and giving up Starbucks, I am saving approximately SIX THOUSAND dollars per year, which also means that I am not spending six thousand dollars on large corporations. Holla for a dolla.

I was supporting small and local businesses. I started frequenting “Goodkind” coffee in Lakewood, more often than usual. A friend of mine from an old job works there, and I usually spend my Saturday and Sunday afternoons there studying, or at least pretending to while I people watch.

One thing I love about Goodkind is, without realizing they were doing it, they taught me quality over quantity. When I would be at Starbucks, I would order the LARGEST coffee I could, and suck it down before I even pulled into the parking garage at school. The Starbucks was full of sugar, chemicals, and coffee that was probably not ethical and it was gone in a matter of minutes. I actually started noticing the effect the sugar content had on me, and I was worried that I would literally make myself diabetic if I kept consuming the stuff (is that possible??). At Goodkind, the largest size for iced and hot coffee, I think is just 16oz.

At Goodkind, I am getting HOMEMADE almond milk, espresso from around the world, and LOCALLY produced syrups, spices, and pastries. I honestly should have kicked Starbucks to the curb a LONG time ago. Goodkind taught me what it meant to really have a drink made with love and with the customer in mind. Goodkind fed not only my brain and my body with their coffee, but my soul (is that lame? i dont care, i mean it).

I think I learned a lot about myself which is the point of all of this right? Without really even intentionally doing it, I kicked one of my worst habits and I have never felt better. I am proud to support a small business that has now become a staple in my life.

I encourage everyone to dig a little bit deeper, and reevaluate your coffee choices. Get to know your local baristas, and breakup with Starbucks. I promise it will make you happier.

If you feel compelled to visit Goodkind coffee after reading this, they are located at 15526 Madison Ave, Lakewood Ohio, 44107. I’ll probably be sitting in there sans makeup, full sweat-suit, pretending to study. Tell them Ali sent ya’. (Seriously this post isn’t sponsored by them, I just really love them).