If you have decided that it’s time to re-connect with someone from your past — an old friend, an ex-roommate, an estranged relative, a former co-worker or boss — or reach out to new people or groups, these are some suggestions that have worked for me.

Send a greeting card

Is there someone with whom you have had a falling-out or misunderstanding? Choose a holiday, and send a simple or fun greeting card. Be sure to add your own personalized, sincere note. You don't have to make apologies or refer to the problems you had with this person; the card itself will be sufficient.

In my own experience, I mailed an Easter card to my parents after a seven-year estrangement from them. After receiving the card, they contacted me to arrange a reunion. They attributed their desire to call me primarily to the warmth of my card (Hallmark moment!) Of course, the timing needs to be right, but even if you don't see immediate results, it can feel good to reach out, and at the very least you may be laying the foundation for a future connection.

Host a chocolate party

When I moved into a new home recently, I wanted to have some fun and renew old friendships, so I threw a chocolate party. I created my invitations very simply on my computer, but on each invitation I taped a Hershey's Assorted Miniatures candy. The invitations requested that guests bring some kind of chocolate dish.

Something about chocolate just sets the mood for a fun girls-night-in. And it works even when they don't all know each other — in fact, inviting friends who haven't met each other can be a great idea for a party. As long as your guests know at least one or two others, there will probably be more spark from meeting new people at your party. Also, ask your friends to bring a guest — then you will also be meeting new people in a comfortable environment (your home).

Use e-mail

When I want to renew an old connection, but I'm feeling intimidated about calling someone I haven't seen in some time (“Will they remember me?”, “Why haven't they called me?”), I send an e-mail message.

An e-mail never catches someone when they're just walking in the door or putting the kids to bed. And if they do forget who you are, they have plenty of time to look you up in your yearbook before e-mailing you a reply. Then, when they send an e-mail back to you, they will probably give you more information about what they've been doing all these years, than if they call you and get your answering machine or someone in your household whom they don't really know. I recently e-mailed a number of friends in an effort to find a home for a relative’s cat. I never did find a home for the cat, but I did receive several updates from friends I hadn't heard from in a while, as they responded to my plea.

Seek spirituality

For some, that means returning to a church or temple. For others, it may mean trying an entirely new religious experience.

Either way, making a commitment to a religious organization or trying new ones can add a fresh perspective to your life as you re-connect with the religion you grew up with, or re-connect to the spirituality within yourself. And this kind of endeavor can easily be done alone, unlike going out to dinner or to a movie by yourself, which can be an uncomfortable experience for many people. Local newspapers are a useful source of information about religious programs, events, and services of all denominations. Seacoast Online posts the top Stories from Seacoast Newspapers everyday. For even more news pick up a copy at your local newsstand, or subscribe today!