A few years back, when I lived a mere two blocks from a small lake, I used to get together with fellow friends and creatives at a path around the waterfront. We took advantage of the three mile loop to walk and brainstorm around whatever struggles we had been going through, to scheme up new ideas on ways to work together or with others, and – of course – to trade the usual coffee shop or after-work-cocktail environment for fresh air, scenery and exercise.
Since then, I’ve become a bit lax on taking my meetings outdoors, so with the binge of sunshine we’ve been having lately, I decided it was high time to get a little group together for a Friday morning at the park…
On the agenda? Roll out of bed, throw on some clothes, grab our coffee (of course) and go!
One of my favorite spots in Seattle is the Olympic Sculpture Park. It has it all – waterfront paths that wind up towards the city or down towards the park, art (in the form of sculptures – duh) and scenic views from pretty much any standpoint. It was the perfect place for us to settle in for a few hours and do some creative scheming…
If you know Seattle, you know our love of not only the outdoors, but outdoor gear. It’s pretty common to see city dwellers popping up their camping chairs at the park or beach, but – to be perfectly honest – that’s never really been my style. I’m more of a blanket and picnic basket type of gal myself. However, when REI came out with their evrgrn line earlier this month (yes, it’s pronounced evergreen), I knew I had met my match in form, function and style.
So, naturally, I had to show it off to my friends – and put it to good use!
My favorite piece might be this pop-up bamboo table which made the perfect spot for fresh squeezed juice and pastries. The fact that it’s all portable and easy to pack up means I can throw it in my car for impromptu picnics, and easily store and carry it around.
With the table set, the fresh air and sunshine were just what we needed to clear our heads of emails and deadlines and simply enjoy each other’s company while chatting about work and life…
With a beautiful view, a comfy chair, and this set up, who’d want to get back to the office? Not us. Our promise of ‘just a couple of hours to spare’ quickly turned into nearly half the day. Crazy what happens when you get outside and make the time, right? I find that more often than not that’s the case for me. Everything that seemed so important or urgent at the office melts away and perspective settles in a bit more when I’m outside enjoying life.
Of course, all good things must end and at some point we agreed that it was time to pack it all up, but I think we had each realized how relaxing – and vital – it was to get out of the office to really connect with each other. To me these kinds of days are essential to staying creative and focused. Not to mention I actually felt recharged and ready for the weekend!
Do you do something similar with friends or fellow entrepreneurs or creatives in your field? I’d love to hear the ways in which you might be taking time away from the office or disconnecting in order to reconnect with the things that are most important.
This post sponsored by REI. All thoughts and opinions my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support coco+kelley! Thanks to my friends Jess Chamberlain, Danielle Bellert and Bryan Otis for joining me on this shoot! Photography by Belathee.
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