6/2/16 – When I changed my middle name to “YogaPants” on Facebook, I had no idea the system would not allow me to change it back for 60 days. I just accepted a work-from-home opportunity and was celebrating, in my own way, without realizing the extent of my commitment to my new name.
Several friends now call me “YogaPants” in person and online, and one particular hipster just goes with “Yo’Pants.” My oldest daughter tags me in Facebook as just “YogaPants” by deliberately deleting both my fist and last names. I even made a new friend who recognized my “unique” name on two mutual friend’s pages.
Working from home really IS everything wonderful you imagine. I get to see my Little Ones when they’re home and go for lunchtime walks with my neighbor. I eat real food in the portions I want, and when I want. I do wear yoga pants every day which keeps me motivated to go to the gym 5 days a week. School is out now but it’s been much easier to get to class in the evenings. Jim and I go for walks around the neighborhood to get in our FitBit steps or, in bad weather, go mall walking.
I’ve set up a beautiful desk as my primary workstation, and have spread to a standing desk (an antique breakfront) in the living room. I also work with my laptop in a comfortable lounge chair at times, and I nearly always end up on the kitchen table. On particularly nice days I sit outside or take a lunch break on the patio. Life is good.
Health-wise, I’m stronger than I’ve been in years and am able to do squats and lunges on my previously tricky knee for the first time since the injury 15 years ago. I’m even strong enough to do side-planks on my bad shoulder!! My resting heart rate and blood pressure are much lower, and the constant fatigue I had for months is gone. I’m actually sleeping less while feeling more rested.
The team I’m working with also all work from home and all have friendly, mature attitudes. Most are less competitive and more collaborative than other work environments, encouraged by our strong Program Manager (who is part of the program’s appeal). Maybe we’re all alone which motivates us to reach out to each other? I also think the entrepreneurial and self-management nature of working from home results in much higher productivity.
One co-worker was commenting that he hasn’t been farther away than his local grocery store for months, and I can see how that can happen. My friends worry that I’m too much of an extrovert to be alone all day and it’s true that my least favorite task is the one I do by myself, so I can see their point.
So 60 days have passed and Facebook will now allow me to change my name …
but to what? I could go back to my middle name so people from high school can trace me, or maybe “Ideas” to match my blog and email. Something else?
Ideas?
YogaPants out.
I don’t know – I’ve been loving your new middle name. However, it is not all that you are (as you have noted). I don’t have any new ideas for you, but have been enjoying your thoughts so much!
Hey YogaPants!
I think you need to keep it. There is something going on here. Whether it is modeling effective telework, commitment to the life you love BECAUSE it serves others as well, or even well-being for those who work from home. There are a lot of people who can’t figure out how to make “work at home” work. You do. You also know why it works. Many companies would love to move to a telework option for their employees to cut down on overhead but they don’t know how to manage and monitor workflow. They could use a great consultant who knows how to systematize that.
Go YogaPants!