As a professional truck Driver it is very easy to lose touch with family and friends if you don’t make conscious effort to keep in touch with them. Often we go by their homes or towns but with a tractor trailer it can be very hard to find parking or leave the unit in a secure environment. For many, the slow times are a way to get in a relaxed run as other Drivers are off, or try a new area. As much as we all need the miles, this is a good time to follow up on those personal connections. If the relationship has been strained for a while then the Holidays are the perfect excuse to reconnect. How many of us have relationships that became fragmented over something silly and have gone on for so long that the two people don’t speak any longer? This can go on for years as it did with my friend Mike.

Mike and his Dad got into an argument over ten years ago. Since then, neither of them has picked up a phone, emailed, or attempted any other communication and of course the relationship has deteriorated. Mike now has gotten a little older, hopefully a little smarter, and is now interested in rekindling that relationship with his Dad. So he was asking how he should do this. My suggestion was that he step up to the plate and use the holidays to his advantage. He could give a call to his Dad for Christmas, I am sure it will be small talk for now. He could then call back at New Years and hopefully set a time when they can talk face to face and mend their troubles. It won’t be easy but the Holidays are a great time to reconnect. If talking on the phone isn’t an option for Mike he could always send a card. Use the Holidays to your benefit and they may just save that relationship.

I am certainly not a Psychologist so I urge you to seek out professional help if you have relationships similar to Mike’s. I have seen relationships like this with people close to me and if someone passes the other person is left with a lot of things bottled up inside. I would like to take this time to wish everyone a wonderful Holiday Season and all the best for the New Year. Be safe on the roadways and catch up on some of that family time that we could all use a little more of this year.

About the Author

Bruce Outridge has been in the transportation industry for over 30 years and is the author of the books; Driven to Drive and Running by the Mile. Challenger Motor Freight Inc. is one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies (platinum member) and is looking for quality team members. To learn more about opportunities with Challenger visit their website at www.challenger.com