How a 2-Minute Call Helps Real Connection
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder. But let’s be honest—distance can also make the heart feel a little bit... lonely. Whether your kids just moved out, your grandkids live three states away, or your best friend is across the country, staying connected takes more than just a 'like' on a photo.
If you’re struggling to maintain solid, ongoing relationships with your distant loved ones, you are not alone. As someone who has lived in three different countries and is now watching her older children start their own adult lives, I know the struggle is real. The problem isn't a lack of love; it’s a lack of time.
The demands of life are real tyrants. Who has time for a one-hour FaceTime or a quick weekend trip every time you want to connect? If we wait for that mythical "true down time" when there is nothing else on the to-do list, we’ll be waiting forever.
The 2-Minute Connection Hack
I've had to reframe how I think about “staying in touch.” The solution isn't finding more time; it’s being intentional with the time you already have. I call it the 2-Minute Connection Hack, and it has two simple parts:
Don't wait for a reason. Stop waiting for some big news or a major event to pick up the phone. Call just because.
Use your 'down time.' This is the game-changer. Reframe your commutes, doing the laundry, washing the dishes, or walking the dog. These are the moments when you can grab your phone and make a quick, meaningful call.
The Science Behind Why This Matters
This isn't just about feeling warm and fuzzy. It’s vital for your health.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development—the longest study on happiness ever conducted—has proven for over 80 years that "Good relationships keep us healthier and happier. Period.”
Modern follow-ups to this research show that the "protective power" of a relationship—the way it lowers cortisol and boosts immune function—remains active even via digital means. As long as you feel you have someone to lean on in a crisis, your brain reaps the neurological rewards of connection. Your two-minute call isn't just a nice thing to do—it's an act of deep encouragement and a way to actively commit to one another.-----
Your Connection Experiment for the Week
Ready to put this into practice?
I want you to pick one person you miss talking to and schedule a 2-minute connection call with them during your down time—while you’re driving, doing laundry, or walking the dog.
Don’t wait for a reason. Just call. Just connect.
Come back next week, and we’ll talk about how to move past the "small talk" and dive into the deeper connection we’re all really craving.
Watch the full video to start the 30-day Connection Experiment with me!