Friday, February 1, 2013

Sweet Words

by Stephanie


In those moments where my body is captive to some mundane task, but my mind is free to wander, I often find myself thinking about people that have touched my life in some way. Not so much the life changing way, but more the everyday, ordinary way. I think about how they enrich my life. I think about the joy they bring me by just being themselves. I think about how I really should send them a letter expressing my thoughts. I even go through iterations of the letters I’d write. But because these moments of thought most often occur when I am unable to actually carry out the task (i.e. driving, taking a shower, waiting in line at the grocery store or drifting off to sleep), my completion rate is a whopping 0%.

The other day I decided to do something about that.

I found a packet of note cards I had crafted a while back and carefully selected one for each recipient. I spent about 30 minutes completing my thoughts, signed them, sealed them, and placed them in the mailbox.

The cards will arrive at each recipient’s home in a couple of days. Will it be a life changing experience for them? I’m sure not. But I do hope my words bring a bit of sweetness to their day.

When was the last time you sent a note to someone just because you were thinking of them? If it’s been a while, take a few moments to share some sweetness! 

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14 comments:

Carol said...

You never know, Stephanie - you might chaange someone's life. My aunt wrote me a special note years ago and I have always treasured thinking about her words. As I cleaned out some journals last week, I found the note tucked inside one of them. It brought sentimental tears and lots of thoughts about my life. My aunt is now 88 years old, and I sat right down and made a photo card for her, sending my gratitude that she is in my life ad telling her what an impact her thoughts had.
I'm so glad you took the time to do this - each act of kindness enriches the world.

heyjudephotography said...

I agree with Carol. Your words and thoughtfulness may be just exactly what the recipient needed at just the right moment. I do the same as you - think about it, but never get around to the doing it. What a lovely act of kindness Stephanie!

Barbara said...

I think we all love to receive sweet words, which has inspired us and treasured. The oldest note I sent just because I was thinking of them was at 8 years old, to my Aunt (87 and my Godmother) and the last... just last week I sent it to her as well. My Uncle told me, that she keeps all my notes in a beautiful handmade box (now for almost 50 years) and every time she needed some comfort, she spread all the cards on her bed and re read them. A kind word can warm the heart!

Kim Stevens said...

Yes, I think we all have thoughts of writing that something and we get distracted. And while I may not be so good about sending a note, I do make it a point to get a manager to tell him about the great things rather than complaining and I will go back up to the lady at the subway counter and tell her that my sandwich was the best one I've ever had - of course they usually look at me like - are you talking to me? :)

Elisa Schulz said...

I do love letting people know how they've impacted/blessed my life, even in the smallest way. I usually do it the unromantic way -- by e-mail. But that's the way I found to do it quickly, while I'm thinking of it. It's surely not as nice as receiving a card in the mail (as I'm finding now with the many wonderfully sweet get-well wishes I've been receiving in my mailbox), but I sure hope the words will sweeten that person's day. Maybe I'll try to do some more the old-fashioned way. Thanks for the inspiration!

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

A lovely thoughtful idea in these days of instant messaging it is wonderful to receive a special something through the post.....

Dotti said...

This is a great reminder for all of us, I'm sure. I know it is for me. Like most of you, I've become dependent on electronic communication to stay in touch with family and friends but it is oh, so sweet, to get something by snail mail. I will write a couple of notes and mail them today. Thanks, Stephanie!

Leigh said...

I'm sure you're words will be so appreciated! You are totally going to make their day. My mom is so good about writing notes to people. I need to learn from you and her!

Patti said...

I am certain that they will treasure your note.

Cathy H. said...

I think your notes will touch the hearts of the recipients! I've started sending notes, at least one a month, to someone just to let them know they're being though of. I miss getting mail and I know others do to! Great reminder to all of us!

Deanna said...

I am so bemoaning the gift of a written note...so little of it is done anymore. I am sure, whoever receives your notes will be thrilled and so grateful that you took the time to send some love thru snail mail. Sweet post!!

AFishGirl said...

Lovely, Steph. I love stamps and paper and still write old hand written letters. I know, I know, I'm a dinosaur...

Pam :)

Jeanne said...

Great thought, and one that can really bring a smile to the face of a friend! Think i will do one right now

Nancy said...

Well taken point; putting action to words is so important...We all need encouragement and to know someone is thinking about us so taking the time to show we care is vital.

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