Day 18 of 20 - Autumnal Equinox Series: PICK UP THE PHONE

 October 28, 2020

Social media and texting makes a connection quick and easy, but so much is lost and has the potential to make a brief connection impersonal, and complicated with misunderstanding. Hearing someone’s voice that we care about is much more personal and has a positive chemical reaction on our bodies. When you think of someone who has passed that you dearly love, and then you think about hearing their voice again (or even get to hear it in an old video or recording), it has an emotional and chemical effect on us. How amazing would it be to hear their voice one more time? 

If too much time passes without speaking to the people in our lives, our minds can begin to convince us that they don’t care. The truth is, everyone gets busy and distracted with their own lives, and not everyone is good about picking up the phone. The traditional telephone conversation is an easy method of communication that is less likely than ever to be used, and this is a time when we need it the most. Is there a family member or a friend you haven’t talked to in a while that would be pleasantly surprised to hear from you? Chances are there most certainly is; especially our older relatives who might have less opportunities to get out and about and who are less likely to text. 

Making a connection with those you care about can lower anxiety and feelings of depression, helps us regulate our emotions, raises our self-esteem, and all that has a positive effect on our immune systems which are more important than ever to keep strong. It also gives us a little extra reassurance that the people we care about are doing ok during all these uncertain times. We don’t really know what’s happening in someone’s life unless they tell us themselves, and this is not a time to make assumptions. Some people tend to withdraw when they’re having a tough time, too. There is a collective anxiety that we are all feeling right now, and this is one tiny way that we can ease it a little bit for each other. 

Pick up your cell and give someone an old-fashioned ring on the phone to let them know you’re thinking of them. It’ll make your day just as much as it will make theirs - I guarantee it!