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The Meaning Of Life Coffee Shop: A Book About Finding Your Way
Scott is in trouble at work and may be arrested, his girlfriend just moved to another city to follow her career, and he has no idea of what he should do next when he stumbles on a coffee shop in an alley. On the wall of the coffee shop are three questions:
Am I moving toward who I’m meant to be?
If I died today, what would I regret?
Am I being kind?
These three questions, and the the help of people he meets in the coffee shop, help him to gain clarity and to find direction in his life.
Am I moving toward who I’m meant to be?
If I died today, what would I regret?
Am I being kind?
These three questions, and the the help of people he meets in the coffee shop, help him to gain clarity and to find direction in his life.
- GenresFiction
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2022
91 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Matt Tracy
4 books37 followersWhen I’m not hiking in the hills with my wife and dogs, I like to read. I usually read a couple of books a week, in all genres. A good novel with great characters is my favorite choice, but I love non-fiction, science fiction, romance, detective stories, biographies, and of course, self-help books.
I have to admit (full disclosure) that I have read all of the Louis L’Amour books, oh, maybe three or four times each, and there are over 150 of them. There’s something soothing about them. They’re manly but for a thinking man. And they do have a lot of wisdom in them. If you read Happy Here and Now you’ll see that Louis is quoted there.
I like to cook, and I like to share the process of cooking with Maria and with my friends if they want to join in. My motivation for cooking usually comes from wanting to eat something cooked a certain way. When I get the idea of the taste in my mind I get excited and want to make it right away.
One of my favorite things is to sit with someone and hear what’s important to them and how it’s affecting their life. Lately I have gotten very good at asking a question and then being comfortable with silence while the other person thinks about their answer. It’s a very calm moment, that time between question and answer.
People ask how happy I am. I’m generally very happy now. Yes, things make me upset or scared or sad or impatient or frustrated or any of the other words that mean unhappy. When I start feeling that way, I notice it and take an action to correct it.
It’s like riding a bike. When you’re riding a bicycle, you’re continually in the process of falling down and correcting it but you rarely fall all the way to the ground like you did when you were learning. What I have learned, and what I put in Happy Here and Now are the tools to notice what’s making us unhappy and how to correct that so we don’t fall into unhappiness very often.
I have to admit (full disclosure) that I have read all of the Louis L’Amour books, oh, maybe three or four times each, and there are over 150 of them. There’s something soothing about them. They’re manly but for a thinking man. And they do have a lot of wisdom in them. If you read Happy Here and Now you’ll see that Louis is quoted there.
I like to cook, and I like to share the process of cooking with Maria and with my friends if they want to join in. My motivation for cooking usually comes from wanting to eat something cooked a certain way. When I get the idea of the taste in my mind I get excited and want to make it right away.
One of my favorite things is to sit with someone and hear what’s important to them and how it’s affecting their life. Lately I have gotten very good at asking a question and then being comfortable with silence while the other person thinks about their answer. It’s a very calm moment, that time between question and answer.
People ask how happy I am. I’m generally very happy now. Yes, things make me upset or scared or sad or impatient or frustrated or any of the other words that mean unhappy. When I start feeling that way, I notice it and take an action to correct it.
It’s like riding a bike. When you’re riding a bicycle, you’re continually in the process of falling down and correcting it but you rarely fall all the way to the ground like you did when you were learning. What I have learned, and what I put in Happy Here and Now are the tools to notice what’s making us unhappy and how to correct that so we don’t fall into unhappiness very often.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 3, 2025
نام کتاب : کافهی معنای زندگی
نویسنده : مت تریسی
نشر فلسفه | راضیه سرحدی
امتیاز : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
اسکات به تازگی به مشکلات و چالشهایی برخورد کرده که مسیر زندگیش رو تغییر داده. روزی اتفاقی وارد یک کوچه میشه و نمای مغازهی کوچکی نظرش رو جلب میکنه؛ «کافیشاپ و کتابخانهی مَز». اسکات تصمیم میگیره تا قهوهی امروزش رو تو همین کافیشاپ بخوره. با وارد شدن به کافیشاپ چیزی پیدا میکنه که مسیر زندگیش رو تغییر میده؛ چیزی که حتی نمیدونست تا به حال به دنبالش بوده.
کتاب در رابطه با پیدا کردن معنای زندگی و طی کردن مسیر برای رسیدن به زندگی ایدهآل هستش. که برای رسیدن بهش باید سوالاتی رو از خودمون بپرسیم و با صبر بدنبال جوابش باشیم.
«تشخیص اینکه خودِ ایدهآلت چیه، از خیلی جهات سادهترین تکهی پازله، برای اینکه مجبور نیستی بیش از آنچه در حال حاضر میدانی، بدانی. با بررسیِ خودت در همین لحظه و پرسیدن از خودت دربارهی اینکه در حال حاضر چه چیزی برایت اهمیت دارد و سپس با حرکت در همان جهت، به سمت خود ایدهآلت پیش میری.»
دربارهی خود ایدهآل بگم که کارل راجرز معتقد بود که هرچقدر فاصلهی بین خود واقعی و خود ایدهآل بیشتر باشه، ناراحتی روانی بیشتر میشه. که به این تفاوت "ناسازگاری" میگن.
ناسازگاری یعنی زمانی که تفاوت زیادی بین آنچه هستیم و آنچه میخواهیم باشیم وجود داشته باشه که میتونه باعث اضطراب، افسردگی و احساس بیارزشی بشه.
خود ایدهآل هم یعنی تصویری از آنچه میخواهیم باشیم یا فکر میکنیم باید باشیم. درواقع همون چیزیه که فرد آرزو داره بهش برسه.
خود واقعی هم همون چیزیه که واقعا هستیم.
نویسنده : مت تریسی
نشر فلسفه | راضیه سرحدی
امتیاز : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
اسکات به تازگی به مشکلات و چالشهایی برخورد کرده که مسیر زندگیش رو تغییر داده. روزی اتفاقی وارد یک کوچه میشه و نمای مغازهی کوچکی نظرش رو جلب میکنه؛ «کافیشاپ و کتابخانهی مَز». اسکات تصمیم میگیره تا قهوهی امروزش رو تو همین کافیشاپ بخوره. با وارد شدن به کافیشاپ چیزی پیدا میکنه که مسیر زندگیش رو تغییر میده؛ چیزی که حتی نمیدونست تا به حال به دنبالش بوده.
کتاب در رابطه با پیدا کردن معنای زندگی و طی کردن مسیر برای رسیدن به زندگی ایدهآل هستش. که برای رسیدن بهش باید سوالاتی رو از خودمون بپرسیم و با صبر بدنبال جوابش باشیم.
«تشخیص اینکه خودِ ایدهآلت چیه، از خیلی جهات سادهترین تکهی پازله، برای اینکه مجبور نیستی بیش از آنچه در حال حاضر میدانی، بدانی. با بررسیِ خودت در همین لحظه و پرسیدن از خودت دربارهی اینکه در حال حاضر چه چیزی برایت اهمیت دارد و سپس با حرکت در همان جهت، به سمت خود ایدهآلت پیش میری.»
دربارهی خود ایدهآل بگم که کارل راجرز معتقد بود که هرچقدر فاصلهی بین خود واقعی و خود ایدهآل بیشتر باشه، ناراحتی روانی بیشتر میشه. که به این تفاوت "ناسازگاری" میگن.
ناسازگاری یعنی زمانی که تفاوت زیادی بین آنچه هستیم و آنچه میخواهیم باشیم وجود داشته باشه که میتونه باعث اضطراب، افسردگی و احساس بیارزشی بشه.
خود ایدهآل هم یعنی تصویری از آنچه میخواهیم باشیم یا فکر میکنیم باید باشیم. درواقع همون چیزیه که فرد آرزو داره بهش برسه.
خود واقعی هم همون چیزیه که واقعا هستیم.
July 1, 2022
Scott's life isn't going very well. He is in trouble at work and may be fired or arrested. His girlfriend has moved away for her job. He is unhappy and doesn't know what to do about his life. He goes out for a snack and because of a detour finds a new coffeeshop. There are some thought provoking questions on the wall and as he befriends the owners and customers, he learns to look at his life in a different way. This is self-help book thinly disguised as fiction, but it was thought provoking and a pleasant read.
July 13, 2025
This novella offers a calm, reflective journey into life’s big questions through the soft lens of an ordinary café.
The plot unfolds, focusing more on emotional clarity than dramatic turns.
Its central character, Scott, acts as a conduit for philosophical exchange, and his growth from confused worker to thoughtful seeker gives the book its heart.
Tracy’s writing style is warm and accessible, with a conversational tone that invites the reader into each moment.
The café setting provides a grounded backdrop for deeper musings on purpose, regret, and kindness. While the characters, though sometimes more symbolic than realistic, help carry those themes forward with heart.
However, the book leans on dialogue to convey ideas, often veering into lecture-style exchanges.
Some readers may find the pace slow and the philosophical tone repetitive.
Despite that, this book feels human in voice and vision.
Recommended for readers who enjoy introspective fiction.
This book suits those seeking private insight rather than action; ideal for thoughtful afternoons.
The plot unfolds, focusing more on emotional clarity than dramatic turns.
Its central character, Scott, acts as a conduit for philosophical exchange, and his growth from confused worker to thoughtful seeker gives the book its heart.
Tracy’s writing style is warm and accessible, with a conversational tone that invites the reader into each moment.
The café setting provides a grounded backdrop for deeper musings on purpose, regret, and kindness. While the characters, though sometimes more symbolic than realistic, help carry those themes forward with heart.
However, the book leans on dialogue to convey ideas, often veering into lecture-style exchanges.
Some readers may find the pace slow and the philosophical tone repetitive.
Despite that, this book feels human in voice and vision.
Recommended for readers who enjoy introspective fiction.
This book suits those seeking private insight rather than action; ideal for thoughtful afternoons.
November 2, 2022
This was the perfect novel (more like a self-help book expertly and cleverly disguised as a novel) to read after my enjoyment-but-disappointment in the lack of anticipated, memorable philosophical quotes in the last book I read (The Easy Life in Kamasari.) In asking the three questions:
Am I moving toward who I’m meant to be? If I died today, what would I regret? Am I being kind? I found a plethora of enduring concepts and tenets to consider.
Since I'm already retired, and felt a bit beyond question one, and I've lived my regrets already so try to live purposefully now, I felt the main lesson learned was the intention to be as kind to myself as I would be to any other friend. Reading this ideology made me uncomfortably aware of how internally cruel I am to myself with too-persistent, disparaging self-talk. I would never be so callus or uncompassionate to anyone else on this planet assigning harsh words I too-frequently attribute to myself. My husband sometimes reacts by telling me to stop putting myself down and maybe that would quell my anxiety issues. I saw this in a new light--hopefully not too late in this life as habits are hard to break.
Am I moving toward who I’m meant to be? If I died today, what would I regret? Am I being kind? I found a plethora of enduring concepts and tenets to consider.
Since I'm already retired, and felt a bit beyond question one, and I've lived my regrets already so try to live purposefully now, I felt the main lesson learned was the intention to be as kind to myself as I would be to any other friend. Reading this ideology made me uncomfortably aware of how internally cruel I am to myself with too-persistent, disparaging self-talk. I would never be so callus or uncompassionate to anyone else on this planet assigning harsh words I too-frequently attribute to myself. My husband sometimes reacts by telling me to stop putting myself down and maybe that would quell my anxiety issues. I saw this in a new light--hopefully not too late in this life as habits are hard to break.
December 3, 2024
وقتی راجع به داستان و معنای زندگی توامان حرف می زنیم، انتظار من اینه که در کتابی که میخونم، غرق بشم.
دوست دارم اول با یک داستان مواجه بشم. داستان قراره تو رو در خودش غرق کنی، بتونی جای شخصیت داستان، نگران بشی، خوشحال بشی و تماما درکش کنی. کتاب اما داستان نبود. جنسش بیشتر به کتابهای توسعه شخصی شبیه بود. اتفاقات سریع میفتاد، آدمها سریع تغییر میکردند و فرصتی برای یکپارچه شدن و غرق شدن در دنیای آدم های داستان وجود نداشت. معنای زندگی یکی از عمیقترین سوالات ما راجع به زندگیه. در حالی که کتاب سوالات زیبایی مطرح کرده بود که فرصت گفتگوی آدمها به خودشون رو میداد، اما جنس سوالات از جنس کاوش و معنای زندگی نبود. جنس سوالات بیشتر راجع به توسعه شخصی آدمها بود. من حس خوبی راجع به کتاب داشتم و کلی ازش نکته هم برداشتم ولی در مجموع نه اون رو داستان میدونم، نه کتابی راجع به معنای زندگی.
دوست دارم اول با یک داستان مواجه بشم. داستان قراره تو رو در خودش غرق کنی، بتونی جای شخصیت داستان، نگران بشی، خوشحال بشی و تماما درکش کنی. کتاب اما داستان نبود. جنسش بیشتر به کتابهای توسعه شخصی شبیه بود. اتفاقات سریع میفتاد، آدمها سریع تغییر میکردند و فرصتی برای یکپارچه شدن و غرق شدن در دنیای آدم های داستان وجود نداشت. معنای زندگی یکی از عمیقترین سوالات ما راجع به زندگیه. در حالی که کتاب سوالات زیبایی مطرح کرده بود که فرصت گفتگوی آدمها به خودشون رو میداد، اما جنس سوالات از جنس کاوش و معنای زندگی نبود. جنس سوالات بیشتر راجع به توسعه شخصی آدمها بود. من حس خوبی راجع به کتاب داشتم و کلی ازش نکته هم برداشتم ولی در مجموع نه اون رو داستان میدونم، نه کتابی راجع به معنای زندگی.
June 23, 2022
This was rather like a self-help book in the guise of a novel. I am not fond of self-help books in general, but this kind of worked. It was a quick, light read, but definitely left me thinking about the three questions posted on the wall: Am I moving toward who I’m meant to be? If I died today, what would I regret? Am I being kind? The MOL Coffee Shop would be a cozy and safe place to indulge in a bit of introspection.
February 1, 2022
MOL
A riveting story about finding yourself. Going to MOL coffee shop provides a safe place to answer life's questions. The change meeting of others in the shop provides different perspectives. Can you answer the questions posed on the wall? Lots of thoughts after read the book.
A riveting story about finding yourself. Going to MOL coffee shop provides a safe place to answer life's questions. The change meeting of others in the shop provides different perspectives. Can you answer the questions posed on the wall? Lots of thoughts after read the book.
March 23, 2022
This book brings back feelings I've had when lounging at coffee shops, paper and pen in hand, for hours. Those are all good feelings. It's like a nice, lengthy sip of nurturance. The writing is strong, and it's a thoughtful read through and through. Well done, author Matt Tracy.
October 29, 2022
Thought provoking
Very thought provoking read. I wasn't sure where it was heading but ended up feeling like I had attended a life seminar. I would love to find a coffee shop like this in my neighborhood.
Very thought provoking read. I wasn't sure where it was heading but ended up feeling like I had attended a life seminar. I would love to find a coffee shop like this in my neighborhood.
September 21, 2023
Mol Coffee shop
I enjoyed reading this book so much so that the last few chapters are very short but I took my sweet time reading them. I highlighted a few areas in this book that I need to apply to myself. And yes I would recommend this book to any and all to read.
I enjoyed reading this book so much so that the last few chapters are very short but I took my sweet time reading them. I highlighted a few areas in this book that I need to apply to myself. And yes I would recommend this book to any and all to read.
February 27, 2022
This is a very short book that asks three questions about how to live a fuller life. It is a nice way to look at where you are in your life right now and where you want to go.
June 11, 2022
A fun little book; I agree with most of his principles.
June 11, 2022
A quick fun read about living your best life.
July 5, 2022
A nice & enlightening read with some moments that really connected with me on a personal level.
September 7, 2022
I liked the concept. The dialog was a little cheesy, and the ending felt abrupt.
September 13, 2023
This is an interesting book idea but a bit stilted and predictable. It reads like a tract.
October 8, 2023
Absolutely wonderful!!!!! Gave me new ways to think about the most important things in life to think about. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is questioning life's biggest questions.
May 17, 2025
Thought provoking read. The story drew me in, the characters kept me there, and the book lifted me up and was a good reminder to keep searching.
September 25, 2023
This is a book about finding your way. It is a touching exploration of the human search for purpose and meaning. Through its endearing characters and heartwarming narrative, it gently guides readers on a personal journey of self-discovery.
The author's ability to blend profound insights with relatable storytelling is truly remarkable. This book doesn't offer easy answers but encourages us to embrace life's uncertainties and find our own unique path. It's a touching reminder that the meaning of life is a dynamic and evolving adventure, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their own quest for purpose.
The author's ability to blend profound insights with relatable storytelling is truly remarkable. This book doesn't offer easy answers but encourages us to embrace life's uncertainties and find our own unique path. It's a touching reminder that the meaning of life is a dynamic and evolving adventure, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their own quest for purpose.
May 24, 2024
Wow. This book went a lot deeper than I originally thought. This was honestly a really quick read as well, with it not really having much in terms of story development but more so with character development. Filled with life lessons and a quirky character going through life, it was a deep and thoughtful story that was pretty enjoyable!
June 12, 2025
Did not finish the book may go back to it, too much back and forth. Did finish the book was okay would not read again
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews