I’ve written and spoken in podcasts about how a buddy of mine in the Bay Area fished me out of the murky waters of post-pandemic burnout.
The Beginning
It was so bad I wound up in the ER.
Fortunately, no health issues.
A passionate walker for decades I dragged myself out of miserable mornings and put one foot in front of the other day after day, week after week, month after month. Didn’t matter the weather – pouring rain, snow, record-breaking heat, I kept it up.
Initially I spent the time mentally combing through my life and wondering how the hell I got there. After all I’d been through so much worse.
On Impulse
Over past decades I’d kept in touch with a buddy I worked with in tech, emailing then eventually texting. One morning I asked – given he was getting ready to brave Silicon Valley traffic – if it was okay I “brought him” on my walks by texting him.
Sending him pics of sunrises, fogged skies/misty mornings, beautiful foliage, holiday decorations.
At the time I was going so early it was dark and while I saw a few souls walking or jogging I was pretty much alone.
Well, me and my phone light.
Mutual Benefit
He was more than happy to exchange the occasional text – some before getting in the car – some after he got to work.
In the course of dialogue it came to light he was going through his own struggle. He’d been taking care of his mom for eons and it got to a point he needed help. I’m sure readers can fill in the blanks of the stress involved with finding a place where his mom would get the best care and having to deal with the house and other details.
Day after day, week after week, month after month I listened via text as he shared the challenges of finding an apartment close to where his mom would be, of the stress and chaos of getting the home that had been in his family since the 70s ready to sell – by himself.
No siblings.
He listened as I sorted through a roller coaster of emotions and faced incredible anxiety.
Family
I want to note I absolutely had the support of my family but they had their stress too. Having my buddy meant they could address their own post-Covid chaos.
A Cure to the Loneliness Crisis?
This morning a good friend sent a video – Diary of a CEO: A Cure to the Loneliness Crisis? in which a gentleman talks about the impact of texting someone to let them know someone is there.
Someone.
This man’s commentary perfectly summarizes the healing texting did for my buddy and me.
Beyond Text
In an age in which many people are trying to do digital detox I can add that over those days/weeks/months I came across a number of individuals out pounding the pavement.
Face to Face Human Interaction.
Some walking dogs, some jogging, some riding bikes, – many just walking.
Often with flashlights.
Over time we began to smile – seeing each other every morning it seemed the polite thing to do. I began introducing myself.
You Matter.
Me:
“I look forward to seeing you every morning.”
“It makes my life better to see you in the morning.”
“You always look so pulled together as you’re walking to work.”
I met people who play in the orchestra, who are passionate Rolling Stones fans, who lived overseas…
People of all age groups – yep kiddos waiting for the bus – ALWAYS wish them a good day
Taking time to connect pays in a myriad of ways big and small and goes in both directions.
Don’t hesitate to tell people they matter.
Be well.
Elizabeth Maxim 