Workspace

What does your home office look like?

The makeshift home office is the most used space in our homes right now. I spend more time at my desk than in my bed these days.  And I continually try to improve the function of my very tiny desk.  The workspace subject came up about a month ago, when I got an upgrade on my work computer, and I had to grudgingly reconfigure my office space, which I share with my living room.  And while my boss was extraordinarily patient and carefully considered my needs, I felt momentarily put out and inconvenienced.  It all worked out rather well.  It was frustrating for a  few days while I figured out what my actual needs were. Still working out the kinks, I am happier now than I have ever been with my workspace. While I can’t keep everything I want on top of my desk (most notably missing is some form of lighting).  I have found a format that works for me.

Everything I need is within 4 inches of my laptop. I did mention that my desk is tiny.

Here is what is on the surface of my desk – and why.

Books

• Three journals – yep, three!  1) a journal for some stream of consciousness writing – I write in it every day for 20 minutes; it’s the first thing I do when I get out of bed. 2) A curiosity journal – where I make notes from the networking events I attend, blog ideas, zoom dates with friends, things that I want to think about at a later date.  3) A creative writing journal gives me prompts to help craft stories that need a little coaxing to get out.
• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – This book is changing my life.  It’s a 12-week program on reaching higher creativity.  It’s several decades old. I am attempting it for the 5th time, and it will be the first time I will complete it.  It’s hard work, and it’s worth it.
• A workbook for working on work stuff.
• And sometimes a magazine to inspire me.

Everything Else

• A money plant – plant life is energizing and uplifting. I am convinced that this plant will help me manifest more money.
• My preferred fountain pen and ink to refill it
• The Badass button.  When I need some encouragement, or I have done something remarkable, I press that button hard.
• A cup of water.  And a mug of coffee or tea, depending on what time of the day it is.
• A framed piece of art (found leaves collected and pasted by me)
• My work laptop
• a slinky.

I don’t keep a lot on my desk – and all of the items sit in piles, so nothing is in the way to interfere with the tasks I have to do, nor will it clutter my brain. However, I am always looking for a better solution. And one day, when space isn’t such a consideration – I will be coveting one of these desk setups.  I love the vertical monitors – and that Ikea light/speaker is super cool.

My own set up can be better. It could be a little more ergonomic, and I probably should find a way to create a standing desk, but it also doesn’t interfere with my design aesthetic, and for the moment, that is good enough.

Tell me about your ‘at home’ workspace. Is it perfect?  What else do you need?