I’m not one for resolutions (who is these days?), but I like to issue myself little challenges throughout the new year. I figure I’d share them with the group every so often in the classic Diana Vreeland style. Think of it as a “note-to-self”…or something like that…
It’s been a long time since I’ve connected with a lot of people in my life. I’m not much on the phone, and I rarely get past 10 miles from my house for non-work purposes. This is nothing new. My homebody-ness has only increased in the past few years (this is the part where I blame 93% of this on the kid and the other 7% on getting settled in my…increasing… age).
In an effort to change this, I issued myself a challenge – not only just to make an effort to reach out to someone through a means not completely electronic, but to go further and do something slightly uncomfortable.
“Why don’t you let someone know how you really feel about them?”
vintage rotary phone from the Melrose Trading Post. You can get similar ones here or on ebay!
It seems as if we are so disconnected from our emotions and each other these days. And why not? Most of us are completely sucked in by a screen of some sort for hours upon hours each day. Wake up, work, check email/twitter/blog reader, go home, check email/twitter/blog reader, sleep, rinse, repeat. It’s easy to forget real life when you live most of it online – and I’m very aware of the irony of this coming from a blogger.
I am a part of the problem. I know…I know…
In the wake of the deaths of loved ones, those of friends, celebrations for the promise of new life, of new life itself (did you hear Jay-Z’s song for his daughter? I MEAN!!), and just plain ol’ appreciation for people, I’m going to get on the phone, go on a play-date, or make some time to let folks know what they mean to me…because it’s nice to hear.
How about you? Anyone you need to reach out to? Tell me. Let’s live in our feelings for a moment.
19 Responses to “LIFE | Why Don’t You…”
Okay, I’ll let you know how I feel…
I LOVE YOU!!!!!
Alicia Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
I LOVE YOU TOO, SUI!!! Miss your face!
duckalicious Reply:
January 10th, 2012 at 12:06 pm
damn, that’s what I was going for. Sui totally beat me to it!
Alicia Reply:
January 11th, 2012 at 10:47 am
Awww, shug! Love you too, duckie!!
i feel you on this.
but i can be hard to not connect through internet with my friends since i leave on the other side of the country.
i need to reconnect with my high school friend. it seems like we’re drifting apart. her having a bf, me not having one, and both of us living in different cities. plus we have both changed alot. it scares me, you know? losing her. i mean, she was there for me whenever i needed her and so was i.
but at times i wonder if this is all about jealousy. her having a significant other. or just plain careless-ness.
i wish you good luck with your progresses! and say hi to baby boy!!!
Alicia Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
You got it, shug!
I think with friends, especially ones we’ve had for a while, the love is always there. ALWAYS. That reminds me – I need to call my high school bf. Life gets in the way, we grow, we change, but our relationships should always be there. If you miss her, call her. I’d bet she misses you, too.
Technology is good when you use it in balance. I’m old fashioned and there’s nothing better to me than some good old conversation on the phone or in person.
I miss the days when people would just call you to say Hey! Texting can’t replace the human voice.
Alicia Reply:
January 11th, 2012 at 10:37 am
Remember pen pals? I miss getting personal mail. And phone calls. AYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
It is surprising how good an in-person conversation can make you feel.
zakiya Reply:
January 13th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Pen Pals…you just gave me a reeeeeeally good idea! I mean I can still whip up an awesome email but penpalling ayeeeeeeee ! Just got get some one who will keep it going!
Wow. There are so many people in my life I need to reach out to. I work really long hours and often end up taking my work home with me, leaving me not a whole lot of time to get up with my friends.
Plus, my family lives in the midwest and I’m on the east coast so that gets tough not seeing them that often. But yeah. Need to reach out to my cousin. He just became a father last month but I still haven’t met my new cousin yet.
Alicia Reply:
January 11th, 2012 at 10:36 am
I feel you. My family spread ALL the way out, too and I never see them anymore. It feels terrible.
Congrats to your cousin. GO SEE THAT BABY!
Yep, I’m right there with you Lic (leesh) Sorry but I’m at a point in my life where instead of calling everyone baby or dear or sweetheart(I grew up in Inglewood)becaue you are special to me in some way, shape or form, I give you a nick name by shortening your name or referencing a good quality you possess.
So I’ll start with you. I couldn’t leave Cali without us getting a chance to hang out and have lunch or run thourgh a thrift store while telling jokes about the people who once owned the garments that we now feel so lucky to find.
You have this quirky misunderstood (ness) about you that I find priceless.
There, I’ve said it.
Alicia Reply:
January 11th, 2012 at 10:35 am
You just made my eyes water.
And where in Inglewood? Did we talk about this already?!!? Let me find out you lived down the street from me…
Yes woman, It all started for me in the “wood”. Centinela Hospital, lived on Plymouth and Eucalyptus, went to Highland Elementary and spent a ridiculous amount of time on Hardy and Prairie. After moving away, years later met my best friend who went to Payne elementary.
Talking about this gives me understanding as to why I love The Wood so much. I watch/ listen to that on repeat when I’m working in the garage.
Mackin! Hangin!
Alicia Reply:
January 12th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
GIRL. Both my parents worked at Centinela (they met there), I was born there. Lived on Arbor Vitae and Rosewood, went to Parent, move to a different side and spent way too much time in Darby park. LOL.
I miss the old neighborhood.
*cries*
Charlene Reply:
January 12th, 2012 at 12:54 pm
Me too. The longer I’m away the more I feel connected when I return.
Your parents, how cool is that. Well, if they met before 78 it is possible I cross paths with them coming into the world. : )
Yas to all of this. My ‘connection’ resolution was to mail birthday cards to my loved ones this year. I collect pretty stationary so now I get to put it to use! Which reminds me, when is your birthday?
Alicia Reply:
January 12th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
That is such a good idea!!
And it’s on the 18th. =D
Yes to Gem, as a thank you note to my aunt who never forgets my birthday aand always sends a Christmas card without fail. I grabbed a cute little note set from Target, and a gift cerificate. The end of the note read, The next time you find yourself in line eyeing Starbucks, it’s on me. Now, every time she’s in line at Target and glances over at the Starbucks, she can have something to smile about and remember she is loved. Well, off to write another note. : )