Good morning, my friends!! Did you have a good Christmas? Can you believe it's almost 2022?! Only two more days until the new year is upon us.

With a new year comes change. Change can be really scary, I get it. I'm someone that simply isn't good with change. It's something I'm working on because I know change can be really good. Like making new friends, that's a good change.

My first semester of college, I stepped out of my comfort zone and attended a meeting for an honor society I'd gotten invited to. When I showed up at the first meeting, I knew no one. I was in a room full of strangers, which was not exactly a comfortable position to be in. Some of those strangers knew each other, but not me. I was forced to make small talk (and no one likes that), but that small talk led to me making some of my best friends today. The next semester, I was on the board with those "strangers" leading the honor society as a director.

Amazing things can happen when you're open to trying new things.

Like bridging the distance between you and a loved one.

Keeping In Touch

After graduation, my best friends and I spread apart. Some all across Texas, some planning on leaving the state.

It's difficult – painful even, to suddenly have to say goodbye to those who became family so quickly.

We tend to say "don't be a stranger" when someone's leaving, but do we actually take measures to keep in touch with them? It can be hard, considering each of our lives are often too busy to even check in with ourselves, but it's important to keep in touch with those we love. It reminds not only them but also ourselves that that bond is still alive and well.

Friendship doesn't have to be a constant conversation, but little snippets of chatter from time-to-time go a long way – for everyone involved. It will help reinforce each party that they're still involved in your life, as well as theirs.

Here are some waysto keep in touch with those who may be going on a different journey than you in 2022:

1. Determine how you and your loved one communicate – Everyone's different, so some people may need to talk every day, while others only need a good hour-long venting session once a week. Once you know how they operate, it'll be easier to figure out how and when you can talk to them, when you both have time.
2. Make plans to talk– It doesn't have to be every day, but it may be a good idea to set apart time for a FaceTime call with your best friend every Tuesday evening. Or, maybe you can write your grandparents a letter every month telling them how your life has changed during that time. Scheduling it into your routine will help you stay on top of things.
3. Remind your loved ones that they're on your mind – Sometimes, when I see an old photo of me and my friend (shoutout to Laura), I'll shoot her a random text saying, "Hey, I miss you. Hope you're doing well," just to let her know that even though we don't talk everyday, she's still important to me. Not everyone needs it, but it's pretty heartwarming to know someone's thinking of you.
4. Set aside time to spend actual time together – Talking through videochat is cool and all, but spending actual, phsyical time together is so much better. Everyone has busy schedules, but try to plan a time when you can meet halfway, or fly out to see them when you have vacation days, so you can hang out with them in person. Face-to-face conversations are always special.
5. Be there when it matters – Distance is hard for so many reasons, but when you hear from a loved one about something important to them, be there. Virtually or in person, listen, talk, and let them know they're not alone. It will go a long way.

Bonds Not Easily Broken

Relationships of every kind are special, and they bond us on a deep level. That's why it's so difficult to be far from those we love. But, the beautiful part is that we don't have to be far always.

This strap art was debuted earlier this year by the amazing Chelsea, and these are a few words she shared about it:

If you were like me, you grew up with friends that were basically made for you. Going to a small school kinda sorta forces you into it whether you like it or not, but as an adult, you have to take the initiative and nurture those friendships that you want to keep so that they last. It's exciting in its own way, too – you get to decide who you surround yourself with a bit more than you could before. This is what "Don't Be a Stranger" means to me; taking the time to get to know someone better or checking in with an old friend, even if it's a little bit awkward at first. Throughout my adult life, there were many friends that I didn't talk to for months on end, thinking it'd be awkward to just start talking again like nothing had happened. But when I did check-in, to my surprise, they felt the same and we picked up exactly where we had left off. Don't be a stranger; check in every now and then to keep those relationships that you want in your life – I promise it's not as awkward as you think it'll be.

Whoever you're far from right now, I hope this awesome strap helps you bridge the distance and reach out to them. Let you know you're thinking of them. And remember, the stars are always above to bind us. No matter the distance.

Be bold,

Landri