Add a Third

I have been doing something healthy without having searched a kajillion self-help books to learn about it. The ‘something’ boosts my mental health, therefore positively impacting my physical health, too.

What is this mysterious action I intuitively incorporated into my life? I added a ‘third place’ to my activities. The terminology threw me off at first, but everyone needs one. Home and work are places one and two. A ‘third place’ provides connections, balance and fun. When I was growing up, school was my second, and church was third. ‘Third places’ increase our circle of friends, help us laugh more, enjoy life and live longer.

Communities benefit, too. New residents seek out ‘third’ places to get to know the area. They serve as creativity hubs or crisis retreats. Civic leaders hear ‘we need some place for the kids to go’ when constituents push for community centers; it’s a valid need. Summer/fall sports programs in local parks fill this niche, but only seasonally.

Older folks also need ‘third’ places. Retirement removes a chunk of connections. Nutrition centers help rebuild them. Remember The Coffee Cup? Harp’s has a gathering area. Though we don’t have pool halls now, there are businesses with tables empty way too often. The closing of the golf course means some travel a bit farther to reap the benefits. Musicians have jam sessions even the least musical among us enjoy, providing ‘third places’ for both performers and audiences.

COVID-19 nixed so much. Consider safely reincorporating ‘third places’ now. “It is not that hard to find a third place: a coffee shop, a cafe, a tavern, a church or a park...Go there regularly. It is good for you; it is good for your community. It is good for America.” (Richard Kyte - Co-host of “The Ethical Life” Podcast)