Take the Friend A Day Challenge

Days fly away, weeks pass quickly, and a month goes by in the blink of an eye... Maybe you got together with a friend or two, or just maybe you meant to but didn't find the time to meet up or reach out. If a continuous cycle of work, life, and to-do lists fill your days each month, it's time to begin making time for a very important element in your life, your friends.

Today gives us a fresh start at another month; May equals Spring, and Spring equals Renewal. It's a perfect time to launch the Here We Are: A Friend A Day In May Challenge. This idea was sparked because like so many others, I juggle a lot on a daily basis. This year, it seems harder to keep up with the many people I am fortunate enough to have in my life, and it's leaving a void. I believe, "If it's happening to me, it's happening to others." So, if this is also happening to you, then I challenge you to take the FAD Challenge with me.

Each day, reach out to someone you consider a friend, or want to have as a friend. Think about hitting the number "30," one person each day for A Friend A Day In May. They could be male, female, new acquaintances, long-time confidants, a favorite cousin, people you've been meaning to get to know better, and business contacts that could develop into a friendship. No matter who they are in your life, if you don't take the time to make this happen, it won't! (You know it's true.)

How-To Take the Friend A Day Challenge - Psst! It's simple!!

1. Get a piece of paper and list 30 people you want to contact

2. Each day, pick a person and select a method of reaching out: a handwritten note, an email, or a phone call... Then DO it!!

3. No pressure to be witty, if you aren't sure what to say, then start with, "Hi, I've been thinking of you." Not only is it true, but it opens the conversation on a pleasant note. {Remember, everyone is busy - this is about reconnecting - a few minutes is all it takes.}

BONUS: When contacting those who live close by, set up a simple face to face meeting. Make a plan for coffee, lunch, a walk, shopping, etc.

Even if a long span of time has passed since your last contact with someone, it is never too late to reach out. The timing of your contact might be exactly what they need at that moment.

I'm committing to the FAD challenge, won't you join me? In 3 easy steps, you can be in touch with 30 friends this month!

Like the FAD idea? Then share it on Facebook, Tweet it, link to it in your newsletter or on your blog. Who knows? You might even get a call from someone on your own list who is thinking of you! Let me know how it's going in the comments or on the Here We Are page on FB.

June 1, 2012 UPDATE: Check out my follow up article, Friendship: Lessons Learned in the "Friend A Day In May" Challenge.