Call Me

I may sound like an out-of-touch grandma when I say this, but we live in a crazy digital and technological age. It seems that we’re always finding a new reason to be on our phones all the time, without using it for its original purpose—calling people. We are so accustomed to texting that the idea of speaking to someone on the same device has become, dare I say, uncool. “I don’t want to bug them,” or “my voice sounds weird on the phone,” or simply “what if they like…answer?” And, I dislike small talk as much as the next person, and a phone call seems to mandate it. Are you really gonna reply with anything but “fine” or “goodhowareyou”? Anyway, let’s move on.

Since we are so terrified to call each other, why on earth would we visit? Yes, I mean driving over there, knocking on their door, them answering the door, and going inside to chat or eat or watch the game. As nerve racking as it can be, you simply can't beat face-to-face interaction. It does our souls good to see their facial expressions and funny gestures, hear their voice, and, heaven forbid, hug them once in a while. Furthermore, as much as some people claim they hate surprises, you can make someone feel so special and important by showing up at their door or calling them at 2pm on a Tuesday just because you were thinking of them. 

How I wish it weren’t such a faux pas to tell someone they’re wonderful or handsome right when you realize they are. When someone is great, I think they ought to be told. We tell little kids all the time how cute their clothes are and how sweet they are. We’re constantly telling them how much we love them. Why does that change when we grow up? Why can’t we tell her how pretty her dress is, or how nice his haircut looks? The same goes for house calls and phone calls—I don’t see why we can’t call our Grandma when she comes to mind or call our friend when someone at work says something that sounds just like your inside joke.

We rarely know the whole story of what even our closest friends are dealing with, and your genuine efforts to tell them you think of them could make a world of difference. Your words and actions, though seemingly small, could be just the boost they need that day. Helen Keller said: “So long as you can sweeten another’s pain, life is not in vain.”

Next time you’re wondering how your friend is doing or you realize you still haven’t seen their new place they love, or whatever it may be, don’t hesitate to call them. You never know the good that could come from it. I leave you with the words of Ellen DeGeneres by saying, “be kind to one another.” 

That person you were thinking of while you read this? Pick up the phone. You can do it.

One-Two Step

You know what doesn't get enough love? Our feet. They are nothing short of spectacular. Sometimes they’re smelly, aching, and without pedicures, but they're still spectacular. Today I’d like to focus on the beautiful fact that they eventually stop growing. What a dang blessing. I’d like to think of it as a “good for you” reward for making it through the teenage growth spurt years. *shudder*

They just…stop growing! You no longer have to worry so much about them. You don’t have to buy new shoes every four months following growing pains. One of the beauties of adulthood is buying your own shoes; and, hopefully, your style is improving and solidifying with age, so you are putting some serious thought into your footwear. You aren't buying flimsy, throwaway shoes anymore. (Exception: those crap rubber flip flops. We all seem to have a pair.) Now, you’re buying those pumps that are built to last, those hiking boots for years of future adventures, or Allen Edmonds dress shoes as you leave the homework behind and enter the corporate world. You can drop $100 on a pair of shoes knowing you'll wear them at least 100 times. I think it’s a lovely coincidence that by the time we’re investing in quality shoes, our feet are ready for them, and will stay that way. Grown-up world is so weird and tough in many ways, but at least we can count on our feet staying the same size for a good long while. It’s these little (odd) things, folks. Let’s smile about ‘em. 

Mirror this 13 second video to show your new found appreciation for your feet...and I dare you to not smile.