How I overcame feeling lonely whilst working from home

Excerpt of a recent heiter newsletter by heiter founder & editor-in-chief Katharina

I got off the latest Heiter Society networking call last week and I must say, I was so happy! When I decided to start the exclusive community membership for our readers earlier this year, I wanted to create something that made me feel less alone. I wanted to build something where I knew I could connect with others and give like-minded people the opportunity to connect too. Basically hoped to create something that strengthened the feeling of connection and thus, brought more Heiterkeit to me and others. Friday was yet more proof that the society delivers just what I had aimed for, and far more than I had initially expected.

During the call on Friday it once again became apparent that the members of The Heiter Society have surprisingly similar values, but also struggles, as I do. They are authentic, kind and creative. They’re open about what they’re going through. We had conversations about running our own businesses, the advantages of having the flexibility to move our working hours around when necessary but also downsides like an irregular income. We talked about how following one’s heart and making decisions that feel right can work wonders and how we find creative outlets, even time is often limited. Parenthood was also a topic: we talked about our individual journeys, internal and external expectations and how looking after ourselves has an impact on our roles as parents.

It felt good to speak freely about those things and share: I left the call inspired, grateful and most importantly, heiter.

The other parts I really enjoy about the society are the sessions held for the members, and the feeling of joy that seems to bloom in everyone whilst attending them. In my everyday life, I tend to forget about making time for moments of creativity as well as pacing myself, so with the regular sessions in place, I have an excuse to immerse myself in creativity or mindfulness and it feels great! The business sessions were created to reduce the ongoing noise when it comes to business advice, take away the pressure and most importantly, help the business owners within the community to focus on the parts of their business that (can) feel good. I personally found them immensely helpful and feedback showed that all those who attended did too. I am excited for the upcoming sessions planned for the coming year. Are you too?

Be heiter, Katharina x

Katharina Geissler-Evans is the founder & Editor-in-Chief of heiter. When she doesn’t work on heiter content, she finds joy in styling herself and her home, writing and consulting with independent lifestyle and fashion brands who would like to improve their online presence. Together with her husband and their two kids, Katharina currently lives in Austria.

Image: Chris Montgomery via Unsplash

The Heiter Society - become a member now

By introducing The Heiter Society we, here are heiter, have tried to expand our reader’s experience by offering alternative ways of finding joy. By organising workshops, co-working and networking sessions, we offer them an online haven where they can try out new creative and mindful activities and connect with like-minded people.

Sounds interesting? Then we’re inviting you to join now and instantly benefit from monthly workshops, a lovely community and depending on your level, advertising opportunities for your independent business. Discover all details here.

Northern Ireland escape: Causeway Coastal Route

‘I’m a lover of the natural world so any chance I can get to escape to the sea, the trees, the mountains, I’ll take it. Exploring the Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Ireland never gets boring, with vast amounts of rugged terrain and breath-taking views, it never ceases to amaze me. I especially appreciate the sounds of the waves crashing, the bird life buzzing above and the gentle wind of coastal air that feels better than any medicine when you need that pick me up. Along my adventures I always make time for a pit stop which involves a cup of tea, my go to drink and a bun too. It really is the simple things.’

Contributor Ellie Letch takes us on a little adventure along the Causeway Coastal Route. Let’s discover some of the places that truly make her feel heiter:

‘Images of Benone Strand which is along the Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Ireland. It is seven miles of blue sea, golden sand and mountain views with Donegal in the distance. You also see a photo is inside my Land Rover Defender which takes me on all my adventures and where I shelter when a tea break is needed.’

‘This is Downhill Beach which is a part of the seven mile expanse of Benone Strand. The 2nd photo shows the road leading down to the beach. The 3rd photo is looking up to the Mussenden Temple which sits perched on the edge of the cliffs. The temple was built in 1785 with the intention of being a summer library for Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol. The design is quite unique and inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli.’

‘Downhill Forest is maintained by the National Trust. The trees stand tall with birds flitting around and as you walk along the pathway the sea can be heard in the distance.’

‘Lost and Found is a café in Portstewart. The view inside looks out to the sea which immerses you into a relaxed state as you watch the waves lap and sip on a cup tea. Much like the name you can easily get lost in thought as you find yourself focusing on the nature around you.’

‘Sea Shed café is just a stone’s throw away from Downhill Forest and a few minutes from the rugged coastline.’

‘Downhill Beachhouse which looks onto the Downhill Beach and has the Mussenden Temple in the background. It was recently featured on the television, B&B By the Sea by the BBC.’

Ellie (short for Eleanor) Letch is named after her grandmother and lives in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.  She studied Marine and Natural History Photography in Falmouth University and gained a lot from this time away: the ability to truly experience a new place, new people and a chance to figure herself out. Ellie’s love for animals and the natural world comes from a lifetime surrounded by animals and remains that way today as she helps look after the small holding she calls home. Ellie is creatively minded and articulates that through her photography, exploration of places and expression through clothes and homeware which she loves sourcing from vintage and charity shops.