Over the past few months, I’ve been busy—on my computer. Like many people today, I sometimes can’t seem to turn it off.
How many of you, I wonder, actually sleep with your computer? It’s OK to confess that you do. If you are dealing with illness, it can be a lifesaver. You can go onto a DVD rental site and get your head into another world by instantly watching a good movie. This can be a smart move.
Recently, I received a call from my friend Nitza. I could hear the wind blowing through the phone as she spoke, her speech coming out in small puffs.
“Where are you?” I asked.
“I’m walking outside in my neighborhood,” she told me. It was 8 AM. I’d already been up for a few hours, typing away in my pajamas. I was feeling cranky, since I’d been doing this for several weeks and felt like I was missing out on “life.”
“How do you have the time? “ I asked, incredulous that, with her hectic schedule, she had time for a walk.
“I don’t have time for it, Abby,” she said, “but I must do it, or I can’t handle everything else. I just throw a coat over my pajamas and head out the door. I don’t even take my purse.”
The next morning I gave it a try. It was a challenge to not open the laptop when I awoke. Breaking a habit is difficult. I put on my coat, hat and scarf, slipped on my shoes, grabbed my keys and stepped out the door. What a world!
I eventually found a rustic little path behind some homes. I felt free and happy. I was alone, it didn’t matter what I looked like, and I was using all of my senses. I was alive! I began to sing, confident that no one was around.
Suddenly a woman emerged, heading towards me from the opposite direction. Embarrassed, I stopped singing. Within seconds, she had passed me by, but not before I noticed her blue pajamas with pink polka dots peeking out!
Abby,
Please don’t hurt me! Might you also consider podcasting your postings? Your voice is so reassuring.
Going out in pajamas reminds me of when my mother used to go for walks at 5 a.m. (“it is so peaceful!”) in this awful looking pea grean nappy shawl/poncho thing. And with an old raggy knit cap on. This was the 80’s and left overs from the early 70’s were very embarrassing to teenagers. But now I understand!
Much love,
Danya
Oh, no! Another technological hurdle!
I’m sure your mother had a wonderful time, Danya!
Many thanks and love,
Abby
Oh, it is so easy to become a hermit. I have never been a morning person, but am slowly changing that. The mornings are magical and something I don’t want to miss out on anymore, especially now that Spring is here. Bless you for all the intimate information you share. It’s both healing and inspirational. Thank you, Abby.
Donna
Dear Donna,
Thank you so much. Your responses keep ME going!
Take care,
Abby
Now when I walk in my pajamas I know that others may be doing the same thing. Actually, what am I doing on the computer this early in the morning? It is time to get out there and walk! Perhaps we can begin a pajama walking club!
Nitza
Thanks for a good article. I have been accused of, and probably guilty of computer addiction, (Hell, I’m on one right now!)
Will look at this more seriously, but it is such a wonderful tool. Better than booze or narcotics neh?