My new mantra is I am not aging as long as I am on hold. So far I have not aged.

27 minutes while tethered to my phone and laptop ready to pounce to action as soon as a “real” person answers. What proactive and productive actives can I do while on hold?

1. Drink a bottle of water. Everyone knows that water is good for you and we never seem to get enough. Hydration is important to keep you from looking like a wrinkled prune. So I am going to let being on-hold drive me to drink.

2. Post your friends’ and relatives’ birthdays in your calendar. I am setting up an alarm via my iCal so that a week ahead I am reminded. Next time I will get a card off before my friend is a year older and my good wishes are stale. A little on-hold time will remind you how many people hold you in their hearts and thoughts.

3. Write a thank you note, or an “I am thinking of you” card. Take the
time to find a stamp, write a note, and do something tangible. Who knows, your card may be tucked away as a treasured memory for years. When was the last time your “real” mailbox had a note that warmed your heart. Time to plant the seeds of thoughtfulness.

4. Make a gratitude list. Look at why you are on-hold and you will see a reason to be thankful. Are you grateful that you have a car or medical insurance?

5. Smile. Life is worthwhile because you smile. Think of the “nice” person who is going to help you. You are giving someone the opportunity to make a positive impact on your life.

Now, 50 minutes have passed and a dozen more replays of, “ The department of Motor Vehicles is experiencing a high call volume, please hold, someone will be with you as soon as possible.”

My life has been on-hold and I have not aged and I have hydrated. I
have traveled back in time listening to the Monkees sing about the last train to Clarksville. When I am pulled back to the real world and my real problem by the sound of a human voice, I hope that my time on hold has slowed me down and allowed me to appreciate the moment.

Special Thanks to Lynn Ackerman and Glenda Rogers for the top photo