Do you ever think about writing a note to someone, but it just never happens? Yeah, that’s me sometimes, too. I had the pleasure of reading an article about the #yearoflove, a project of Jen Kramer’s, who wanted a way to show a little love. She set about to write a note to someone all 365 days of 2018. Here is a link to the Chicago Tribune article about her effort. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/good-news/balancing-act-she-vowed-to-post-a-love-note-to-a-different-person-each-day-for-a-year-mission-accomplished/ar-BBRUKqu?utm_source=email+marketing+Mailigen&utm_campaign=weekend-digest&utm_medium=email.

“Love bombs.”

I got to thinking about the love bombs in my life. Notes through the various events of my life from commissioning, to babies, to new jobs, and some not-so-great moments, too. I’ve kept a few of those – well, several totes of them.

Then there was a series of letters that I was forced to ask for in 2002. I’ve read them over and over. They testified to my character. The letters, a way to vindicate me, were to show that I did not deserve to be treated as I did. It was a very sad time in my life, when I was awakened to an ugly reality and from which I learn to carve out a cancer and replace it with healing and forgiveness – for myself and for a few others. Those letters validated what part of me that I would keep and build on. More than encouragement, they were truly words of healing.

Shouldn’t this be the reason we write our thoughts down? To encourage, to show love, to appreciate another, to demonstrate the value of another in your life? When we write words to those we love or appreciate, we have the power to heal or validate, elevate or comfort. After looking through boxes and totes of the cards and letters that I have saved over more than 40 years, I realize how easy it is to simply grab a card and write what’s on my heart. So, I’m setting my box of cards on my desk and sending off a few of those thoughts. I know myself too well to say it will be my own #yearoflove, a 365 day effort, but I know I’ll experience joy doubled when I do.