Hi, my name is Vaibhavi Goyal, and welcome to Choose Fullness.

• 6 oz of Rishi Masala Chai Concentrate 
• 4 oz of Chobani Vanilla Oat Milk 
• 2 oz of Stok Unsweetened Cold Brew 
• 1 Tbsp of Chobani Caramel Macchiato Coffee Creamer 
• 1 Tbsp of Torani Raspberry Syrup 

Mix well, and pour over a cup of ice. Line the cup with caramel if the day calls for it. 

This is my perfect Icedchai recipe. Over the past nine months, I’ve experimented with various combinations of concentrates, milks, syrups, and creamers in pursuit of the ideal concoction for one of my favorite drinks, an Icedchai latte.

But over the past nineteen years, I found myself consuming these components separately, in different cups, at different moments—always feeling like something was missing. It wasn’t until I mixed them all together in one cup (over ice, of course) that I realized the true beauty of each ingredient emerges only when they come together in harmony. 

I understand this analogy might seem obvious or even confusing, so allow me to elaborate. My favorite drink, an iced chai, represents my dual identity as an Indianamerican. 

The chai itself serves as an homage to my Indian heritage, gifted to me by my immigrant parents. Growing up, the smell of freshly brewed chai wasn’t just part of our mornings—it was a constant reminder of where I come from. Meanwhile, the iced part reminds me of my American side. Growing up here in the States, iced coffee runs and drive-thru Starbucks trips were pretty much a given. It became part of me too, without even really thinking about it.

For a long time, it felt like I was trying to drink from two different cups—holding my Indian side in one hand and my American side in the other, always trying to balance but never feeling like either hand was full. I spent years thinking I had to switch between them depending on where I was or who I was with. 

Eventually, I realized it wasn’t about keeping them apart—it was about letting them fit together. Blending them made me see that I didn’t have to choose between the two—I could just be both. That’s when I started to understand that I’m not two halves of something trying to coexist. I am fully whole. I am Indianamerican, one word, no space. 

And just like my favorite drink, everything makes sense when it’s blended together.

Of course, the ice and chai are the foundation—but the more I thought about it, the more I realized the other ingredients reflected parts of me too.

I know many people enjoy their iced chai lattes without added flavors. To those individuals, I respectfully say, to each their own—and if that simplicity brings you joy, I sincerely hope it continues to. Fortunately, I am not boring–so that is why I have implemented variety within my drink. 

When it comes to coffee flavors, many people prefer caramel or vanilla. If you find my inclusion of both vanilla oat milk and caramel creamer confusing, you’re likely not alone. I get it, mixing the two might sound a bit unusual at first, but it’s actually a more common combo than people realize, and I genuinely enjoy it. It’s honestly just that I love both flavors, though I’ll admit, the combination at times perfectly highlights my indecisiveness when it comes to picking just one thing.

Still, I’ll jokingly maintain it’s a sign of advanced coffee appreciation, so I can continue sympathizing with those forced to choose one flavor—because, in reality, they’re so much better together. And while this particular mix might not be for everyone, leaning into it has been fun. It’s even sparked a bit of a personal food philosophy: sometimes the combinations that sound the most ‘out there’ can lead to the most enjoyable discoveries

Now, onto the raspberry syrup, my most recent and adored addition that truly brings everything together. I’ve always loved how raspberries offer that unique sweet yet tart sensation. I like to think this is a perfect example of how I view optimism: a bittersweet yet beautiful balance. True optimism doesn’t deny life’s imperfections; instead, it embraces the bitter while intentionally savoring the sweet.

Perhaps I’m stretching the metaphor, or perhaps not. Regardless, it’s my blog, and we’re moving forward.

Now regarding the cold brew, I wish I had an inspiring story or symbolic reason for its inclusion. In truth, it’s just because the chai concentrate alone doesn’t quite deliver the caffeine content I require, and I’m comfortable admitting it’s likely due to my caffeine dependence.  Sometimes authenticity is just as important as metaphor, right?

But while some ingredients, like cold brew, are just practical, others mean a lot more to me.

Earlier, I mentioned why I write Indianamerican as one word—and it’s the same reason I stubbornly call it Icedchai. These pieces of me aren’t meant to be split apart. They’re better, fuller, and more beautiful when they’re together. 

Which brings me to the personal struggle I faced while writing this post: the incessant red squiggly line under “Icedchai” glaring at me like it knew better. Before now, I never realized how instinctively I would double-click a “mistake” without even thinking about it. This time, I left it alone.

Let me be clear—I know “iced chai” is technically two words. But the way I see it, just like Indianamerican, my Icedchai deserves to stay whole. My identity, like my drink, is a cohesive blend that isn’t meant to be divided into neat little categories. This past year, I’ve found so much value in appreciating that wholeness—in not compartmentalizing my “Indian side” and “American side,” but owning every mixed-up and wonderful part of it. 

I proudly embrace being Vaibhavi: an Indianamerican who loves Icedchai, who is indecisiveoptimisticchronicallytired, and who takes pride in every aspect of this blended identity.

And if blending everything together made me feel more like myself, maybe it can do the same for you too.

With that being said, I challenge you to fully embrace your unique traits. Discover ways to blend them harmoniously, celebrate your distinctiveness, and proudly put your name on the combination you create. 

What’s your version of an Icedchai? Consider thinking about your favorite drink—and how each part of it says something about you.

Thanks for tuning in—choosing to see the fullness in your own life starts with recognizing it was there all along. 

So remember—your glass is full. Whether you see it that way is up to you.