Good or bad we all have habits. This week I’ve realized a habit I’ve gotten into is talking on the phone while I am driving home. My daughters – who are the ones I normally talk to – have all been busy this week with conferences and school.
My new car allows me to be hands free so I just tell it who I want to call and (if it’s working right) it calls them. I spent the next 20 minutes talking to the person if they are available. This week I’ve not talked to any of my daughters.
It’s goofy but I miss this snippet of their lives. I hear about their day or the cats antics or bad traffic or whatever. This means when I don’t get these snippets, I feel out of the loop and a bit disconnected. I know the routine will return next week but I’m still feeling out of sorts about it this week.
It’s made me realize I don’t have my drive with the silence I was used to. I’ve replaced the silence with chatter via technology. I’m not sure that’s a bad thing but I’m not sure it’s a good thing either. Hearing my own thoughts can help me cope and destress.
However, I don’t think I want to give up the time with my daughters. It’s nice to have those few moments to catch up with them. It helps to keep us connected while we are all living in different states.
I’ve missed my habit this week but I know it will be back next week. The conferences are done today and my daughters will be more available next week. I’ve enjoyed the silence and my own thoughts for this week but I’ll enjoy going back to that habit of chatting with the girls next week.