Something that changed for me years ago was the routine and comfort of going into an office.
When the world left to go off to school or work, I had already loaded up, gotten my coffee, greeted my baristas, found my parking spot, unlocked the doors, and welcomed my team. I loved my team.
Yet, some major things changed for me – and then the world shifted, in general – and I began to work primarily from home, alone, with meetings online instead of in-person, where there used to be hugs and handshakes and people who worried if you didn’t show up.
And, at first, it was hard… like, really hard. I felt claustrophobic and sometimes even panic. But, after awhile, I grew more accustomed to it and even saw the practical value and efficiency of it. While I admittedly grew to feel … almost robotic at times… I also came to see how productive I could be.
And, while I’d rather see people than simply be productive, I came to see the real positive it afforded me — more time with my family. And, after awhile, I grew to enjoy it. But, if you aren’t careful, you can let bad in with the good. And, whereas I used to always travel, I grew to rarely leave home.
And, you know — it is okay to be alone sometimes. When God is with you, you can always experience peace. He’s the very best friend a person could have. But, in addition to His peace, God also gives us each other.
And, if I am honest, I will admit that some days it is still hard… Hard to see my favorite people load up and head out, and I’m still here. It hurts in the morning, and it hurts at some point in the afternoon. I miss them, because they are awesome.
Why am I sharing this? Because I want to put into words something entrepreneurs and remote workers often feel but rarely voice … loneliness.
It can feel very lonely to run a company by yourself or to be an at-home professional … It can feel rather isolating to meet people online only. And, if you’re not careful, it can become very easy to become robotic for the sake of being productive. But, its not good for us. We aren’t made of metal but of flesh, with hearts.
And, here’s the thing: Productivity is important, but you are more than what you can produce. You matter more than the simple efficiency of a perfectly timed meeting. Just because you have grown accustomed to this way of life – of being alone — doesn’t mean you should always be alone. We need people. We are meant to be in fellowship with people. It’s how God designed us.
If you have hit all of your deadlines, made your quotas, and made cool Creative, but you feel alone… it’s time to look up and look out. Find community. Invest in relationships. Find a place where people ask you questions, where they miss you when they don’t see you, where you get hugged. Allow yourself to feel loved. You matter.
If you are a professional woman looking for community, I invite you to join the community that makes me feel loved and reminds me I am not alone – The Rooted Sisters.
Join a small group at a local church. Get to know the people at your gym. Ask your barista about their day. Co-work beside friends. Meet up with colleagues. It matters. It all matters.
Allow yourself to love and to feel loved. We need each other. And you bring something special to the world that God uniquely put in you… Something amazing happens when you show up.
I love you guys… and thank you for loving me. We are not alone. God is with us, and He surrounds each of us with people to hug and encourage— to hug and encourage us too. Look up and get out. Allow yourself to be loved. You matter.
Sarah Guldalian 