How a Coffee Ritual Revealed the Power of Community in Life’s Transitions

by Mark Linsz, Co-Founder & Senior Managing Partner

My Life Was in Transition…

We had just sold our home while juggling major family changes—helping two of our daughters move into their first apartments and supporting my father as he transitioned into assisted living. With so much in flux, we decided to rent an apartment for six months while searching for a new home. It seemed like a practical solution, but little did I know that those six months would teach me one of the most important lessons of my life.

The apartment complex was fantastic, but it had one standout feature: a state-of-the-art coffee machine in the lobby. Each morning, I’d grab a latte on my way out or sip one while reading the news—an anchor in an otherwise chaotic time. It became a comforting ritual. Then everything changed when the global pandemic hit … the world shut down…and so did the coffee machine.

The isolation that followed was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Like many others, I found myself confined to my apartment with little social interaction beyond my immediate family. My usual routines vanished, and days blurred together. I was accustomed to navigating challenges but felt adrift without my usual routines and network.

Then, one morning, everything shifted. At 6 a.m., my phone buzzed with a text from Juan, the director of maintenance at the complex and someone I’d come to know well. “The coffee machine is back on,” he wrote simply. It was such a small thing, but to me, it felt monumental—a tiny slice of normalcy in an upside-down world.

I jumped out of bed, threw on some sweats, and headed to the lobby. When I arrived, I wasn’t alone. Juan had spread the word. With steaming cups in hand, we chatted. What started as small talk with fellow residents quickly turned into deeper conversations. We shared stories about how we were coping with the pandemic and our fears, debated sports (when they returned), and even swapped stock market tips.

That first gathering was supposed to last just a few minutes, but by the time we looked at our watches, it was 8 a.m., and we’d been talking for nearly two hours. As we said our goodbyes, someone suggested we meet again the next morning. And so, we did.

What began as an impromptu coffee break turned into a daily ritual that lasted six months—seven days a week without fail. Each morning at 6:30 a.m., we’d gather in the lobby for coffee and conversation.

When restrictions eased and people began moving on, I realized how much those mornings had meant to me. They weren’t just about coffee; they were a lifeline for connection during an isolating time. They built bonds that outlived our time in the building. In fact, just last year, several of us traveled to Puerto Rico for Juan’s wedding, a powerful reminder of the deep bonds that began with a simple cup of coffee.

What That Season Taught Me

Looking back on that time, I realize it wasn’t just about surviving lockdown; it was about rediscovering what it means to be part of a community during life’s transitions.

1. Transitions Are Easier Together

Life’s significant changes—like retirement—can feel overwhelming when faced alone. But sharing your journey with others can provide clarity and comfort.

2. Connection Can Happen Anywhere

You don’t need grand gestures or elaborate plans to build meaningful relationships; sometimes, all it takes is showing up for coffee.

3. Friendships Enrich Life

The friendships I made during those six months weren’t just temporary—they’ve enriched my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

4. Small Rituals Create Stability

During seasons of upheaval, it’s often the smallest, most ordinary routines that bring a sense of normalcy. A morning coffee might not solve life’s challenges, but it can anchor your day, restore a sense of control, and open the door to meaningful connections.

A Reminder for Retiring Executives

As executives approach retirement or navigate this new season of life, it’s easy to focus on financial planning or finding hobbies to fill your time, but don’t overlook the importance of community. Retirement is not just about stepping away from work; it’s about stepping into new relationships and opportunities for connection.

So, whether you join a local group or strike up conversations with neighbors over coffee, take the time to invest in your community. You might be surprised by how much it transforms your journey.

For me, what started as an early-morning latte became one of my life’s most rewarding experiences: A reminder that even during uncertain times, community has the power to ground us, lift us, and help us thrive through life’s transitions.