2010 was all about making connections. My 20th high school reunion was this year, and I also traveled a lot, for business and pleasure. These events allowed me to connect with people I haven’t seen, in some cases, for nearly 2 decades — a high school ex-boyfriend, a friend I studied abroad with in college, a cousin from across the world, a mentor from early in my career. Each of these mini-reunions has been filled with little surprises — either about the ways people have changed, or about the ways they have stayed so delightfully the same. But it made me realize how fortunate I am to have these relationships.

I have also been writing a lot of personalized notes, this year. At Pear Tree, one of our core beliefs is that a handwritten note makes a connection in a physical way, like no digital message can. And it has been my goal this year to practice what I preach. So I write notes. A note to a teacher who has gone above and beyond. A note to the neighbors, whose dog died. A note to my sister just to say how much her laughter means to me. It is amazing how much a simple note, that takes just a few minutes to write, can strengthen a relationship.

In 2011, I intend to send at least one handwritten note a week. Sure, I will send a lot more emails, texts and comments on FB, but this is something more meaningful. I’m not calling it a resolution, because that makes it sound like work. Really, it’s a reward for myself, because it keeps me closer to those I care about. Here’s to the New Year!