Rethinking The Third Space
Not home. Not work. The bit in between.
Ray Oldenburg called it the third space—a social environment where people gather, connect, and unwind.
But I’ve started thinking about third spaces a little differently.
Perhaps it’s because I work from home, but for me, a third space isn’t always a physical location.
Sometimes, it’s a routine—like a start-up ritual that gently nudges me into the day.
Sometimes, it’s a moment, like pausing in the car before heading into the house.
Sometimes, it’s a walk with the dog—a space where rest, exercise, and ideas come together.
My third spaces help me transition between work and personal time. They create boundaries. They give me a place to think, breathe, and connect with myself (and occasionally others, too).
What could your third space look like and how might it support your wellbeing?
If this resonates, I’m running a workshop on daily routines that protect energy and focus. You’d be very welcome to join.
