Reading, Writing and Telephone Calls
Like most of us I’ve fallen victim to the fast pace of now not later and results over process. It has a way of desensitizing, as if you can shortcut caring about people you love or experiencing the element of engagement with them. I’m an avid reader but I feel like I have to secretly steal time from my life just to experience the serenity of escape through a book. While technological advances benefit our society greatly, they can also make us emotionally robotic if we’re not careful.
“How many people actually take the time to read a novel these days?”
How many people actually take the time to read a novel these days? And worse yet, I’ve heard people admit that they prefer texting to phone calls because it cuts the time they spend actually communicating. Of course I know there are times when briefer more efficient exchanges are necessary, especially in the workplace. But it has become the norm when communicating with everyone. Maybe I’m just old school, but I don’t think I’m alone in feeling as if reading, writing and telephone calls are lost art forms.
I force myself to break away twice a month to wrap up with my fuzzy blanky to read. It’s my way of destressing and joining the imaginative world of interesting characters. I will often put on a pot of cinnamon mixed with nutmeg to add texture to the air or burn vanilla candles for a more comfy ambiance. And when I’m not reading, I’m writing. I know how meaningful it is to be the recipient of a handpicked card with words that express in creative and heartfelt terms how another feels about me. The unexpected gift makes me feel special and significant and grateful to have truly genuine people in my life. So I pay it forward by taking time to put pen to paper with messages that express my deepest sentiments. Receiving, touching and reading personalized cards immortalize moments in time – especially if the date the message was penned is included. I have beautiful cards positioned around my home in such a manner that they add to the artistic aesthetic.
Phone or Text?
And finally… the elusive phone call that has faded almost completely into antiquity. Text messages can’t express attitude, tone or mood the way a phone call can. I still remember the sound of my grandfather’s voice when he would sing to me over the phone when I was a little girl. I don’t really think it’s a matter of being old school at all. It’s a matter of returning to values that garner respect for time and people we care about. It’s a matter of teaching future generations that all that is new is not always better – and that there are just some things that can’t be replaced with technology.