I missed coffee shop Mondays.
That's what I realized last week.
I can't remember if I told you guys this or not, but a few years ago I made the decision that Mondays would be my "off day" of choice if I ever had an option. As a church kid, Sundays were usually really full, at least until about 6 PM. Very quickly you realize, you have to begin to prepare your mind for the week ahead, and the energy almost immediately leaves your body. (Or maybe that's just me)
So once I began working part-time positions, I designated Sundays and Mondays to be my off days. This allowed me all of Sunday to be present, without distraction. Then I had Monday to do things for myself, things that fill my cup. Things like going to write at a cute coffee shop until my hands cramp, order a fancy breakfast sandwich, and scroll the clock app in between.
You see coffee shops are where I think, where I refuel, where I plan, and where I breathe. And if I go to my favorite one, I also have a view of the water. (That alone is a calming agent for me)
Last Monday morning was the first time I sat in one, in... I don't even know how long. I was the first person in the door, I was able to pick the perfect seat with the view my soul needed. My wifi connected immediately, because well... my devices knew they were home, and I got right to work.
I started with emails, coordinated some meetings, wrote out some notes, and after an hour, I ordered my breakfast sandwich.
I quite literally was halfway through my sandwich when I looked out the window, and exhaled with the thought of, "I missed this".
And maybe you're thinking, well, you were always off on Mondays... why didn't you keep going to the coffee shops?
BECAUSE I WAS TIRRRREEDDDDDDDDDD. EGG-ZAUS-TED.
When you work in retail, not only are you front-facing and constantly people-ing, but you're on your feet the whole time (in most settings). So, by the end of each shift, I was both mentally and physically wiped out. Pair that with an ever-fluctuating schedule, my sleeping and eating patterns became wonky as well. Some days I opened, some days I closed, and my body was taking a beating. Which meant my Mondays were dedicated to rest, because Tuesday was on the way.
But with this new position, I have a set schedule, which now leaves room for me to rebuild a routine. I can re-establish some sort of structure, plan and organization. And my brain...can...slow...down.
I didn't realize how much of a luxury this was. This time to seemingly be away from the world, headphones activated, and phone on DND. Where I'm not in a rush, I don't feel extreme pressure to perform, I'm just in my own little world.
*Exhales in gratitude*
Selah.
Talk soon,
Racq