Why do the smallest workplace rituals give me something to look forward to, even on a Monday?

At one of my previous jobs, I worked with a lovely group of women, and even today I still think about how much better they made my days. We were all tired of the daily commute. Some days I’d arrive, put my bag down, and feel like I’d already completed my shift just getting there. But no. I still had the job ahead of me. The cool thing is that one day someone had the brilliant idea of ordering pizza, and my face lit up. That’s how our little ritual began. We were all exhausted, but I still had the energy to discuss the toppings. We’d figure out what to order, share the cost, and sit together to eat. Then, between the slices and the stories we were telling, I’d start feeling more like myself.

I loved having that gathering to look forward to. I could arrive in a terrible mood and find myself laughing with a slice of pizza in my hand later. By the time we went back to work, the day felt easier to get through. I’d eaten something I liked, talked to people I liked, and remembered that there were actually enjoyable things waiting for me at the office.