INTENSE 365 MONTH 4: PHONE-A(N)- (OLD) FRIEND
Coming into this new month's challenge, I have dragged through a month of unrest, unease, pride in others justice crusades, and sorrow.
During this month of action, connection, and education (mostly via social media), I failed to reach out to a friend who had been on my mind for some time. Nothing drastic, I just wanted to see how they were doing and talk smack.
A week passed and Facebook "reminded" me about a trip we took a few years ago, I giggled at the pic and the stupid hi-jinks we found ourselves in that week and vowed I would call soon.
The next morning I woke up to a text that they were gone.
This year I think everyone has lost someone or has been closer to what it means to lose someone suddenly or needlessly.
Time on Earth is both finite and random.
Those living in NYC, Seattle, or any hot spot during the beginning of the COVID outbreak felt connected to the constant sound of sirens, the raising death count on tv, and the visual of trucks filled with bodies.
It reminded you of your own mortality.
Family members, church members, doctors, nurses, bus drivers, grocery store staff, and other front line workers you may have known, that are now gone, may have driven that home further.
Finally, collectively reliving the repeated murders of Black citizens (minding their own business); sleeping in their beds, going jogging, getting their favorite iced tea, and visiting a corner store never to make it home again puts the fragility of life, front and center for us all.
This month's challenge will not change the randomness of life and death, but it will increase your odds of having a loving convo with someone you care about before you no longer have the option.
1X a week, call someone "new."
In this case,
New=Old
Old friend
Old family member (especially if they are older),
Old acquaintance.
It can be the ones you are already trading memes or Instagram likes with (but not calling).
Pick up the phone and find out how they are REALLY doing.
Everyone is on their own schedule, so while YOU may decide you are going to talk to X, it may not happen.
It's cool tho, leave a message, start the game of phone tag.
The first time I got a VM back from a friend I hadn't talked to in a while STILL felt like Christmas.
The point is to get started, make an effort to bring the people you care about just a little bit closer, and keep them there.
Just got started? No problem! You can start today, just follow these rules and improve your life the way you see fit 365 days from now!
This month's challenge is dedicated to
Jack Dawson
You always gave your best to your friends, and you never left one of us behind. None of us will forget the lifetime of memories you made with us.
Rest in Power Friend.
