Break out of loneliness at work

“I haven’t seen you in awhile, how have you been", is my commonplace conversation starter these days as life becomes more and more about managing our family’s calendar.

The reply of many friends and colleagues was most shocking, “I feel like I haven’t seen anyone, either. I cannot seem to see my friends in this stage of life.”

We do similar drive-byes with very important colleagues in our circle.

When did mid-life mean we cannot make time for socializing or making friends? Is it truly a stage of life when our kids take the lead and we step back? Maybe, but what if we could have a little more connection even when we are running ragged?

My June Gloom antidote:

Morning: meet up with a friend(s) for pre-work walk or pickleball game. It’s light at all hours, so grab 20-30 minutes with a pal. If you are in the office, take a meeting outside.
Walkie Talkie- Kristine Gardner multi-tasks with a walking workout and connect. It’s easy to do this with a colleague for an innovation session.
Casual Routine: Remember quarantine routines? We allowed time to hear what colleagues were watching and all but mailed our coworkers bread starters. Make time for casual human connection!
Online Community Works: My local community of support is all over the map this summer. I stay connected to my writing group on Saturdays at Noon.
One human - Often coordinating 5+ different schedules puts an end to actually planning. Do your best==Throw out a date, make it casual and go for it even if everyone can’t join. You just need one person to interact with.
Just say No - As invites roll in, find space to rest. Family members, guests and kids start to dictate our calendars. You are able to say no. Everyone needs time to ‘get bored’ this summer.

What is your favorite way to find community during the summer to avoid the void of loneliness?