Keep in better touch with friends and family.

I have booked a major train journey from Oxford to Carlisle to visit my cousin Jo in mid September 2006. This will be a first: to actually stay the night at the home of a relative excluding my brothers who I do visit once or twice a year. This is a great advance for this goal.

From two phonecalls I now have an invitation to visit my elderly aunt and meet my cousin I have not seen for 4 years. Also my aunt would like me to come and stay in the new year. I could make this part of a cycling trip.

Find opportunities to write to friends or family about your life events or interests which connects with them in some way. Don’t be shy. A letter is not intrusive. It might just trigger an exchange of letters, phonecalls or a visit.