I work from home, so water cooler talk or stories in the office kitchen are not part of the culture. I miss the chit-chat about what we did last night, how was vacation, and what the kids have been up to lately. Now, it’s just me and my Keurig, and it isn’t much of a talker.
So, if I were sitting in a cafe with you, I’d love to hear what’s happening in your world. How is the family? What are you reading now? How’s work? Where are you going on vacation this summer?
And maybe I’d ask you a personal question or two, like How are you doing? What’s on your mind? How can I help? And perhaps you would ask me the same questions in return. Here is how I would answer you.
How am I doing? Not too bad, actually. Although I’m feeling my age a little because I haven’t exercised in a while. Scott and I went for a walk in the park a couple of weekends ago, and it wore me out. There were a bunch of hills in that park, and I need to get back in shape. I also need new sneakers.
What’s on my mind? My book. I’m thinking of going in a different direction. I still want to raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease, but as I look at my life, there are other things I want to write about. Like how my relationships and friendships have changed as I get older. And how I’m parenting my adult children and trying not to parent my parents. I might want to write about the challenges I’ve faced and the lessons I learned. I’ve lived long enough now to put it down on paper. And even if it doesn’t ever get published, it will be something my family will have as a keepsake – and I will still be known to future generations.
How can you help? Maybe we can make more of an effort to go out for coffee or dinner. I miss my friends, and now that we have a little more time on our hands, we should get together more often and not take our friendship for granted. I love spending time with you and always feel better when we talk. Let’s make that happen soon.
What do you think?
XO,
Elisa
Meryl Lightstone
April 28, 2023 at 8:01 pm (1 year ago)Great blog post. We definitely are overdue for a coffee date. I am out of shape as well and can use a walking partner at slower speed.
Desi-Ann
April 28, 2023 at 5:04 pm (1 year ago)Elisa, thanks for being vulnerable and sharing. Social interactions are so important for our mental health and well-being. I work from home as well. Some days, I would call someone or I work outside my home to break the monotony.
I hope you get those coffee chats going soon 😊
vidya
April 28, 2023 at 3:55 am (1 year ago)Oh 👍🏻, that is one of things I miss about not working any longer- the social interaction at the water cooler. Now I freelance and work from home even for those freelancing jobs because they are always remote.. But I try to meet up with friends once every few weeks and that helps..
As for how I am doing right now, we had a great time during my daughter’s spring break last week.. and were able to get a glimpse of one of the California superblooms .. and I seriously need to get more active..
Elisa
April 30, 2023 at 7:34 pm (1 year ago)I need to be more proactive in getting together and calling people. It definitely combats the loneliness that I get working from home. Glad you are enjoying time with your daughter.
Tamara
April 28, 2023 at 1:57 am (1 year ago)Awww, Elisa, I’m tearing up a little. I can totally see the two of us having coffee and talking shop.
Here’s what I’m going to do: I’m adding you as a Facebook friend, and from time to time, I’ll just drop a message to see what’s on your mind. How’s that?
I was never a fan of working from home, and your words explain exactly why. Plus, I would get distracted too easily and take care of laundry and other stuff at home.
Elisa
April 30, 2023 at 7:33 pm (1 year ago)So nice of you to friend me on Facebook! That means a lot. Thank you!