Reach Out and Touch Someone

Posted in meditationTagged , , , , ,

“Compliment people wherever you go. Praise every single thing you see. Be a ray of sunshine to everyone you meet.” – Rhonda Byrne

A couple of weeks ago my friend, Scott was watching the movie The Net and it reminded him of me. When that movie came out 27 years ago (I looked it up), it was in the brief time we worked together and I commented on a small technical detail about an IP address that pertained to the work we were doing at the time. He saw that detail as he watched the movie again and texted me.

I wonder what it is that makes us pick up the phone when reminded of someone from a long time ago – or answer when someone else does.

It seems like our imaginations often get in the way because I think more often than not I think we think of people and DON’T pick up the phone – we can’t imagine what their reaction will be because it’s been too long or we imagine that it will take more time that we have. And then we stop before we’ve even dialed or written the note.

Many years ago, I had a friend who was writing a novel and was trying to think of a plausible way to introduce time travel. We brainstormed ideas and I remember not having much to offer. Thinking about it now – I realize that reaching out to someone when we think of them is a great way to travel in time.

Because whenever I take the time to pick up the phone, write a letter or make a comment, I get a boost of good feeling. Even in the cases that it doesn’t work out the way I expected, I feel more connected to others for making the effort. It is another way of experience the goodness of our interconnected humanity.

So when Scott texted, I said “yes” to meeting him for tea to catch up. Not only did I get to find out how he, his wife and kids are doing, I got a little chance to travel in time and remember the energy and promise of those days when we were getting paid to wire people to the Internet. It probably was back when AT&T ran the commercials reminding us, “Reach out and touch someone.”

Have you called an old friend lately?

(featured photo from Pexels)

19 thoughts on “Reach Out and Touch Someone”

  1. No, but I will today. Thank you for a great reminder that life gets shorter with every day that passes and that now is the perfect time to make hay while the sun shines! Thanks for always adding sunshine to my day. Some days, even twice!

    Liked by 2 people

  2. More and more, I am realizing that life is about human connection. Thank you for this beautiful message, Wynne! I am having coffee with a girlfriend this morning, but this afternoon I am going to make the effort to call my niece who lives out of state. I miss her dearly, but am always reluctant to call, worried that I might interrupt her or something. This is a fabulous message for today, just what I needed to hear! Thank you 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think you are absolutely right that life is about human connection, Grace! And I think worrying that we’ll interrupt someone is a common reason we don’t pick up the phone (at least for me). So glad you have your day already planned with wonderful connections!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. What a beautiful post Wynne! How fortunate that you’ve acted as connector in your profession as well as here through your words. There’s nothing like reaching out and touching someone. Time dissolves when we do.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I think if you’re writing about time travel, it’s already such a crazy concept there’s no need to bother with introducing it plausibly. Just have your characters start running from dinosaurs or hobnobbing with the Knights of the Round Table, no explanation needed!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Oh my goodness, I remember watching The Net in theatres when it first came out. Talk about time travel.

    Reaching out to reconnect with a friend is such a great day. Especially after the last two years, we need more of this. Glad you and your friend got to reconnect!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. After the last 2 years many of us have realized just how important community and connection is to mental health and well being. A dear friend has been on my mind lately and I think it’s time I follow through with a phone call. It may be just what we both need. Thank you, Wynne.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are so right that community and connection is so important and that the last 2 years have taught us that if nothing else. Hope you have a lovely call with your friend, Nancy!

      Like

  8. “ Have you called an old friend lately?” – yes I have but your timely post reminded me I don’t do it enough as I often make excuses putting it off until tomorrow, and the next day, and the next! Our lives pass by so quickly and maintaining connection seems more important to me than ever. 🙏🏼

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That is so true, margiran. I don’t do it as often as I should either. May we all be buoyed by the connection in our lives! Thank you for a lovely comment!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I try to regularly call my friends, especially because I live far away from most of them. It is as you said – a way of traveling back in time. What I noticed, is that the distance immediately disappear after a few words. Excellent post Wynne, as usual 😍

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.