Do the thing.

Overcoming inertia, even when it's cold and dark

I did a thing last night. I went Christmas caroling with a bunch of people I’d never met before.

And it was awesome.

Okay, to clarify - I knew two of the people there. My friend Lacy, who invited me along on this adventure, and her daughter Devyn.

As of Friday morning, I was facing down a week with no plans, because I got lost in work projects this week and didn’t plan anything.

But then I posted this on Facebook:

And Lacy added a comment saying, “Do you want to come caroling with a bunch of choir folks?”

Lacy knew this might be an easy sell, because she knows I used to be a member of her local community choir — the folks who were caroling — and she was right. I jumped right on it, and we made plans to meet the next night.

Even though I said yes right away, though, it took some effort to overcome my stay-at-home-because-it’s dark-and-cold inertia. The caroling host was an hour away from my house, so to pull this plan off, I knew I would have to gather the appropriate cold weather gear, time the dog walks correctly, caffeinate well, drive to Lacy’s, and jump into her car for the rest of the ride.

By 10 AM yesterday morning, once these plans had been set, I seriously considered canceling, because of course I did. I basically want to cancel all my plans, especially at this time of year.

My foot was killing me (I have developed a seemingly-unending case of plantar fasciitis, and can’t walk or stand very long). So I told myself, “It would be okay to cancel. You’re hurt.”

But I didn’t cancel. I told myself, “Just do something. You want to find meaning? DO THE THING.”

And I did. And it was fantastic.

Our caroling host literally welcomed me with a hug when we walked in and Lacy introduced me. The house was warm and happy. I found a chair to sit in during our pre-caroling mingling and soup-eating, to minimize wear and tear on my foot. I met people. I laughed a lot.

And then at 6 PM, we took off down the street like a big bunch of kids, and sang carols to the folks on their street. The host husband ran up and rang doorbells, and when people came to the door we belted out traditional tunes from our song sheets.

It was beautiful and moving and sweet, especially when clearly delighted young kids came out on the porch and yelled “JINGLE BELLS!!”

We even met a deer at one of the houses. This gal was just hanging out in the yard, and she tolerated our chatter for a long time, giving us the side eye. She was so chill I couldn’t believe she was real, but when we started singing she said NOPE NOPE NOPE and yeeted herself right out of there.

Magical. Truly.

There was a moment when a huge family came out on their porch, with young adult kids with giant smiles on their faces, and we were singing “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and I actually teared up. There is something healing about singing in a group, especially when the person next to you unexpectedly launches into a beautiful harmony part.

Here’s the lesson, folks: DO THE THING.

Even if your momentum is telling you to stay home. Even if you have to drive in the dark (take an Uber if you need to!). Even if it’s cold and you have to dig out your good gloves. Even if it requires a flashlight. Even if it’s with a bunch of people who don’t know you. They’ll all feel like buddies by the end of the night.

When someone offers you the opportunity to do something fun and connect with some people, go do it. You won’t be sorry.

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