Yesterday was different—but in a good way.
Instead of our usual sit-down meeting at the office, my boss, my colleague, and I decided to take a little break and meet at a café not too far from work. Just a few kilometers away, we found ourselves at The Coffee Bean—yep, the one that’s been around since the '60s and still has that classic charm.
We didn’t really plan it ahead of time. I think we all just needed a breather from the same four walls. It wasn’t even about the coffee at first—it was more like, “Let’s go somewhere else to talk.” And I’m glad we did.
As soon as we stepped in, the smell of freshly brewed coffee welcomed us. It was that kind of smell that instantly makes you feel calm and cozy. We all just paused for a second, took it in, and smiled. That alone felt like a mini stress relief.
Of course, we made our way to the counter first. The baked goods on display were honestly hard to ignore—they looked warm, soft, and just waiting to be picked.
There were jars of coffee beans lined up neatly in a cabinet, and we could see the baristas doing their thing with the big espresso machine. You could tell they knew what they were doing.
They also had their coffee appliances on display inside the cabinet — shiny, well-kept machines. It was nice seeing where all the magic happens every time they prepare a fresh cup.
Once we got our drinks (I went with a classic latte—can't go wrong), we settled at a small table near the window. The place was peaceful, and the vibe? Super cozy.
You could see people quietly enjoying their drinks, some typing away on laptops, a few just chatting and laughing. It felt like the kind of place where time slows down a bit.
We started talking—not just about work, but also about how we were all doing. No PowerPoint slides, no formal agenda. Just an honest, simple conversation. We talked about our department goals, what we wanted to improve, what we needed from each other. And honestly, I think being in that relaxed space made a big difference. It didn’t feel like a meeting. It felt like friends figuring stuff out together.
We ordered some drinks and shared a slice of strawberry cheesecake. The cheesecake was $3.50, and I got a chocolate drink for $4. Simple treats, but they really hit the spot while we talked and enjoyed the cozy atmosphere.
There were a few laughs, some quiet moments, and lots of sips in between. I think we all realized how much easier it is to think clearly when you're not stuck in a boxy office with ringing phones and back-to-back emails.
Before we knew it, almost two hours had passed. None of us were checking the time. We just knew it was a good conversation and it helped us all feel a bit more grounded and connected.
No pressure. No rush. Just coffee, company, and honest conversations.
