Why handmade chocolate?

Often I ask myself why I spend so much time doing simple tasks that can be automated.
The answer to that is precisely why I do it :)

Yesterday, I spent 2 hours making the wrappers for 18 bars. Hardly an economically viable spend of my time!
But then, there is more to life than just economics, isn't there?

I spend a lot of my time working in a hyper-connected world where everything is time-sensitive. Of course, as a techie, I kinda appreciate that most of the time. But I can only relish that as long as I have some balance and chocolate making is my balance.

When I look back at the WHY of my chocolate venture, it's all about sharing the love for simple things. So doing more of the same doesn't make any sense.

That is why I love taking the time to make chocolate, and that includes making the packages by hand.

I'll let you in on a little secret:

As I was writing these, I sat in a bubble of deep, peaceful attention. For a split second, I was back in my childhood years, helping my parents write invitations to a vernissage, slipping each invitation into a hand-written envelope.
How many times do you get to experience such childhood moments over again?
I really loved it! I felt like the packaging is the invitation to indulge in the bar of happiness that's inside!

This feeling of careful attention to detail and love is the message I want my chocolate to bring.

What better way to spend a Saturday morning than writing love letters?

I'm aware that I probably won't be able to keep this up as I want my chocolate to be enjoyed by many people, and my time is limited. Even so, I believe this experience is the right way for me to evolve and find ways of making this message last as things develop.

I love the process, and I love every minute of it!