I send this 10-word message regularly to friends, ex-colleagues and mentors: 'Being remembered is surprisingly powerful'

In the blur of adult life, it’s surprisingly easy to lose touch with people.

When I was younger, I felt comfortable stopping by friends’ houses just to say hi and see what they were up to. No plan, no pressure, and also no reason. In fact, not knowing the outcome was part of the fun!

But as life got busier, I realized there was often a small internal hesitation when I thought of reaching out to someone: I don’t want to interrupt… It’s been too long… I should have something important to say... So instead, I’d think of someone fondly, feel a brief tug of connection, and then move on with my day, letting the moment pass.

It didn’t feel right. And so, after some false starts, I landed on an approach that removes nearly all of that friction.

I regularly send this 10-word message: “You crossed my mind, and I wanted to say hi.”