Keeping Distant Connections Alive

If one of my lovely long distance loved ones is reading this, please don't shake your head at me. I really do love you all, but gosh darn-nit I am not so good at keeping in touch. 

With that disclaimer out of the way, I would like to share with you a savvy way to keep in touch with long-distance contacts. Here's the background:

I'm terrible at picking up a phone and having "just checking in" conversations, and I work many hours during the day and into the evening. 

It's not that I don't want to talk to people, but I often don't think about it until later in the evening, when it's bedtime for almost everyone. Now nothing really replaces regular conversations, but if the going get's tough, it's time to get techie. 

So what's my high-tech solution? Video.

If you don't have time, opportunity, or energy to contact someone via phone, skype, or text -- video is the best way to let them know you care and you're thinking about them. Here's a video I sent to my aunt recently to let her know I was thinking of her.

I know not everyone is comfortable seeing their own face on a video, but getting past that discomfort will help you keep in touch with the people you care about.

So the next time you're thinking about someone that you'd like to get in touch with but can't, take 10 seconds with your smartphone to send them a video message that will make their day. And ask for one back so you can get a little dose of connection too.

Video Tip - hold your smartphone up and away from you and make sure you're facing the light.