Table for One

I’m a social person. I’m not usually a fan of eating by myself at restaurants. I love catching up over food and drink. Laughing with my family and friends brings me joy. It’s reenergizing. With busy schedules that don’t align, it's challenging to meet up with friends at times.

One day, I wanted to go to lunch, but no one was available. It was a Friday afternoon. Everyone else was working. I decided I’d still go because it worked for my timing. I went to Buffalo Wild Wings (I won free wings for a year. That’s another story), and got a giant booth for one. I wasn’t sure who I was going to talk to or what I was going to do. It wasn’t my first time eating alone at a restaurant. A couple of other times I ate solo, I engaged in my phone or reading. This time, I wanted to see what happened when I wasn’t intentionally looking for something to occupy my time.

I looked around. I noticed the other customers chatting with their people. I noticed the servers, and I heard the music. B-Dubs has a banging playlist. I engaged with my server. Then I did something I don’t normally do. I just sat there, absorbing the environment. I wasn’t talking. I was looking around, not at anyone or anything in particular, listening, not to any specific thing, and smiling. It just felt good to be.

I would occasionally jot down a few thoughts. I always have a notebook in my purse for when inspiration hits.

When my food came, I took my time. I didn’t feel like I needed to hurry. It was a moment to do something I don’t normally do, slow down. Let me tell you, it felt wonderful.

I’ve been doing this for the past month. Once a week, just me, at a table for one.

Here’s what I’m starting to understand. Sometimes we don’t know what we need until we experience it. I like to be on the go. I like socializing, but my body and mind also enjoy sitting, passively engaging. I feel refreshed when I leave. Not because I had a meal, but because I was able to sit, restore, and realign with myself.

I now look forward to these weekly lunches with myself.

What helps you reconnect with yourself?