Advice from my Phone

Searching for ways to practice writing creatively, I asked my friends to suggest topics to write about. In the next few days, I will post my work here.

Mike Lopez posted the question, "If it could speak, what advice on life would your phone give you?"

Here's my output.

Dear Lorie,

Can you believe you’re turning 32 in 10 days? Exciting, isn’t it?!

On your birthday, thank your parents -- it’s their day, too. Thank each person who greeted you, no matter how many messages you get. Remember your loved ones who are no longer there to do so. Be thankful for the privilege of having them in your life, no matter how long you’ve known them.

Be thankful for the life that you continue to live. Remember that life itself is a gift.


Don't worry so much about your age. Remember, being young or old depends on whom you are with at a certain moment. Focus on growing up, not growing old. Learn the art of aging gracefully. I’m sure it involves laughter.

Laugh. Even if it means laughing at yourself or by yourself. If you run out out of jokes, tell Cortana “Make me laugh.” Remember her silkworm joke.

Still funny, right?

Don’t forget that you have “Joy” in your name. Live by it. Be joyful!

Exercise. Remember what a friend told you yesterday – it’s not a workout; it’s a way of life. Be thankful for your body and how it allows you to do so many things. Take good care of it.

Be thankful for the seasons. Remember that both sunshine and rain help living things around you grow. Think of the experiences you go through in this perspective. Your life’s seasons could teach you a thing or two.

Don’t let people intimidate you. They know themselves a lot more than you do. That includes dirty laundry…and, I guess, going to the bathroom.


Never question your worth. Never question another person’s worth. Respect is timeless. So are “please” and “thank you”.

Do not stop reading. Let your imagination take you as far as it can. Indulge in those adventures! Appreciate your vicarious experiences. Learn how a mystery was solved. Those problem solving skills will come handy one day. Heed the moral of the story. If it’s not told explicitly and you don’t find it, read the book again someday. Books seem to have a way of growing as we do.


When your friends give you books, ask them to write a message for you, including the date, on one of the pages. Someday you’ll find those notes just when you need a little push or a reason to smile. Keep those books, no matter what.

Be thankful for writers. Pratchett made you laugh. Rand challenged you. Gaiman made you dream. Chabon made you laugh and cry at the same time. Sedaris made you see the extraordinary in the mundane. It’s not an easy job.

Keep taking photos. If something extraordinary happens to you, write it down. Your memory may someday fail you, but your notes and photographs will be your loyal witnesses.

Last but not least, no matter what you end up doing in the next few years, do NOT make juggling a profession. Remember how many times you’ve almost fatally dropped me on your floor. Technology will go obsolete (faster than people age, too) but I will be the only phone to dispense advice to you. Hold on tight.

Your Microsoft Phone