Batch #22: The Solitary Roaster

The “Pour Over” Story 

Just finished a roast. It’s early. Still dark. Beans are resting on the tray, and the roaster is cooling down — same as me.

I won’t drink this coffee yet. It needs time.
But walking out of that garage and into my office, I already feel full.

The sting?
There was a time when I thought this kind of morning meant something was missing.
Like I should be doing this with someone else, or for someone else, or at least posting about it.
Because if no one sees it, does it even count?

But here’s what I’ve learned over time:
Being solitary is not the same as being lonely.

Loneliness feels like something’s missing.
Solitude is knowing nothing is.

This morning didn’t need applause.
It just needed intention.

The Steps – What I did, what I missed, and how it went

What I did:

• Roasted a batch of my favorite Mexican Chiapas single origin before sunrise — no distractions, no noise, no rush.
• Focused on the small details — heat adjustment, timing, smell, color.
• Let myself be there — fully in it, without needing a reason beyond the doing.

What I used to miss:

• I’d confuse solitude for loneliness — assume something was wrong with doing it all on my own.
• I’d try to fill the quiet with distractions or doubt.
• I forgot that some of the best things in life are made in silence.

How it went:

• The roast looks great. I’ll taste it in a day or two, but I already know it was a good one.
• More than that, I walked back into my day feeling steady. Not loud, not hyped — steady.
• And honestly? That’s a better caffeine hit than any cup.

The “No Judgement” Takeaway

Here’s what I hope sticks:

• Solitude is where craft lives. Don’t run from it — lean into it.
• Loneliness is an ache for connection. Solitude is a space you fill on purpose.
• Just because something is done alone doesn’t mean it’s done in isolation.

The coffee I roasted this morning?
I was alone when I made it —
but it’s already meant for someone else.

So go ahead:
Roast it alone. Write it alone. Build it alone.
Just make sure you pour that solitude into something real —
and let it rest until it’s ready to be shared.

— GoodShell Coffee
Crafted in solitude. Made to connect.