I resonate with so much of this especially the tension between a deep desire for rich community and a craving for solo time. You might enjoy a recent episode of the Ezra Klein Show called "What Relationships Would You Want, If You Believed They Were Possible?" He talks about many of the threads you named here.
Ok, I'm totally checking this out, Lindsay! That title is so intriguing. Makes me think about how the fear of rejection is a piece of the puzzle for me - like if I try to create community but no one reciprocates, will that feel even worse? Not sure if that's part of the podcast but I'll soon find out. Thanks for reading and sharing this recommendation!
The piece in The Atlantic was quite sobering, and also spot-on. I don’t have kids, and my two closest friends here in Denver don’t have kids. And yet finding time for the three of us to get together sometimes feels harder than it’s worth. It feels as if we (the global we, not just the three of us) have two simultaneous epidemics of loneliness and business. That being said, with each of these friends we are leaning into the impromptu, and it’s lovely. Example: when my flight was delayed two hours on Saturday, I left my home as planned and met my friend for dinner. Being a solopreneur can feel exceptionally isolating, and I appreciate and embrace opportunities for community with clients and peers. Like you. 😊
Love this, Cynthia! Impromptu socializing is so smart and so sadly out of fashion right now. P.S. Since I wrote this post, I've heard about a book called "The Year of Living Danishly" which addresses these dimension of American culture you reference. I've added it to my reading list...
I loved everything about this and appreciated Nick's infographic. I'd like to try a ritual to transition between work and home (they're the same thing 4 days per week). Perhaps a lap around the house? Gladly accepting other ideas!
Stand on your head? Do a jello shot? For real, one thing I do that is really simple is blow out the candle I have lit most of my work day. I love seeing the smoke rise and smelling the smell of "my work here is done".
I resonate with so much of this especially the tension between a deep desire for rich community and a craving for solo time. You might enjoy a recent episode of the Ezra Klein Show called "What Relationships Would You Want, If You Believed They Were Possible?" He talks about many of the threads you named here.
That podcast was great! Very thought provoking. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed! Definitely got me thinking too :)
Ok, I'm totally checking this out, Lindsay! That title is so intriguing. Makes me think about how the fear of rejection is a piece of the puzzle for me - like if I try to create community but no one reciprocates, will that feel even worse? Not sure if that's part of the podcast but I'll soon find out. Thanks for reading and sharing this recommendation!
The piece in The Atlantic was quite sobering, and also spot-on. I don’t have kids, and my two closest friends here in Denver don’t have kids. And yet finding time for the three of us to get together sometimes feels harder than it’s worth. It feels as if we (the global we, not just the three of us) have two simultaneous epidemics of loneliness and business. That being said, with each of these friends we are leaning into the impromptu, and it’s lovely. Example: when my flight was delayed two hours on Saturday, I left my home as planned and met my friend for dinner. Being a solopreneur can feel exceptionally isolating, and I appreciate and embrace opportunities for community with clients and peers. Like you. 😊
Love this, Cynthia! Impromptu socializing is so smart and so sadly out of fashion right now. P.S. Since I wrote this post, I've heard about a book called "The Year of Living Danishly" which addresses these dimension of American culture you reference. I've added it to my reading list...
"... it doesn’t happen in a vacuum (that would suck)."
I smirked big time when I read that.
Once again, Claire, you killed it. I really enjoyed your essay on loneliness. And I honored the piece by reading it all by myself.
Sad! But sounds peaceful. :)
I loved everything about this and appreciated Nick's infographic. I'd like to try a ritual to transition between work and home (they're the same thing 4 days per week). Perhaps a lap around the house? Gladly accepting other ideas!
Stand on your head? Do a jello shot? For real, one thing I do that is really simple is blow out the candle I have lit most of my work day. I love seeing the smoke rise and smelling the smell of "my work here is done".