It’s more than JUST coffee!
Written By : Grace Weidenhamer
There’s something about a coffee shop that makes me feel more productive. It makes me feel like I have my life figured out. Maybe it’s like being at the casino and they pump oxygen through the air vents and the brewing of espresso caffeinated you through scent. I’m not sure the reason for this allure, but going to get work done, reading a book, or catching up with an old friend at a coffee shop is one of life’s great pleasures. Even if I’m sitting there scrolling on Pinterest or re-writing my to-do list for the fifth time that day, for some reason, I feel more productive sitting by a window at a local coffee shop, cappuccino in hand.
I think coffee shops create a sense of community, regardless of whether it’s your community. Whenever I’m traveling, the first thing I do is look up coffee shops in the area. There’s just something about exploring new cafés and feeling like you are a part of the hustle and bustle of whatever town you’re in. A coffee shop brings people together. Regulars, travelers, or people with nowhere to go. Sometimes, I sit and people watch and wonder what brought everyone here today, where they came from, and where they are headed off to. Maybe it’s the oversized pastel-colored mug and the sweet aromas, but sitting in a coffee shop is like embracing a warm hug.
I would consider myself an introvert, but if I had to choose between sitting at home alone or in a busy coffee shop, I’d choose the latter. It’s weird feeling so at peace with a bunch of strangers, but I think that’s the beauty in it. Especially nowadays as we are all chronically online, I think it’s more important than ever for each of us to find that “third space”, even if it’s not a coffee shop. Maybe it’s the gym, the park, or even the grocery store. A physical third space is not only good for our socialization, but I think it’s very healing as well. If you’ve never experienced this feeling, try taking yourself on a solo date to a coffee shop, leave your laptop at home, and experience the welcoming sense of community for yourself.