dear little one, you can climb mountains

Dear Little One,

I see you.  There is wonderment in your eyes and a sense of freedom in everything you do.  You view the world through a lens of possibility.  I admire the way you show up with your entire heart and give it your all.  You do not worry about what the world thinks.  All that matters is if it is brining you joy.  

You are passionate about everything you do.  When you dance you let go and simply have fun.  When you write you print slowly placing your finger after each word to ensure proper spacing.  When you hug you hold on tight and lean in.  When you smile the entire room lights up.  

You are not yet clouded by the judgment of the world.  You believe there is good in everyone.  Without you even knowing it you give others a chance to prove you wrong and they usually end up proving you right.  You take risks.  You leap.  You are unafraid to fall down.  You always get back up and just keep on going.  

It is incredible to watch you learn and grow.  To see the way you navigate the world.  To watch the way you interact with others. There are moments you hold back taking it all in but then you ease into your comfort and you break free.  I love watching you break free.  It is in these moments you sprint across the grass playing with the other kids and giggle wildly. 

Your laughter is contagious.

You have stories, so many stories.  What a precious gift it is when you tell them with others.  You share how the moment made you feel and you are sure you don't miss one single detail. 

You love to lend a hand and help out.  You create special spots at the table for everyone.  You always want to hold the baby and try your hardest to make him smile.  You help your little brother out even when he may be driving you crazy.  

You have no idea how much joy you bring to the family.  Your imagination, your thoughtfulness, your love, your energy.  It is felt and makes a huge impact. 

Never forget this feeling of freedom of completely being you.  Stand tall with your head held high, your shoulders back, and your heart open.  Let others get to know you.  Continue to shine that smile that lights up an entire room.  Always choose kindness.  And never let the world tell you that you are to tall, to short, not pretty enough, not smart enough, not anything enough because you aren't.  You exactly as you are is an incredible gift!  Remember this always. 

You can climb mountains and you will.  

Sure, there will be some really tough times ahead but you will make it through them.  Always reach out to your friends and family and know that I am here for you.  You create magic wherever you go.  Continue to stay open to the wonderment of it all.  Continue to explore, to dream, to grow.  

And continue to dance wildly!  

Love always,
One of your biggest fans

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Interested in connecting with someone through snail mail?  Join the Love Notes Postcard Project.  We begin on April 8th.  This free three week project connects you with another individuals in the group to send snail mail to.  Unsure of what to write, don't worry we got you covered with a weekly prompt to get the pen moving.  I invite you to slow down and join in on the snail mail revolution.

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national letter writing month

The US Post Office has officially declared April National Card and Letter Writing Month.  How divine to have a month dedicated to putting pen to paper.  Yes social media is great to instantly connect, but there is something special about slowing down and writing someone a letter.  

Writing a letter requires you to take a moment and pause.  You cannot just rush through it like you can a text message or email.  There is intention in the words you put down on paper. 

When it arrives in the recipients mailbox it is a ray of sunshine carrying with it joy and happiness.  What makes a letter magical is the ability to hold it in your hand and see the penmanship and doodles of the person who wrote to you.  It is a treasure that you can enjoy over and over again.  

When I was in high school I sought out a pen pal through an ad in Teen Magazine.  I had to beg my mom to send in the $5 to have me matched up with someone.  When I received the first letter I was beyond excited.  The envelope decorated with stickers and smiley faces and inside a letter documenting someones life.  We wrote to each other often for a couple of years sharing our heart aches and happy moments.  A friendship blossomed from afar long before internet communication was a thing.  I still have those letters tucked away in my parents attic and when I look at them they still make me smile. 

There are many different types of letters you can write and people you can write to.  What matters most is that you take the time to share your heart in words.  It does not have to be perfect.  There can be cross outs and misspelling.  As you write a new part of the story may unearth or your words may take you in a completely different direction.  Give yourself permission to explore on the page wherever your words want to go.  

Not sure where to get started?  Here are a couple of options:

• Write to a friend or family member sharing your favorite memory of the two of you together.
• Write to your significant other reminiscing about the day you first met and the moment you knew it was love.
• Share a joke with a child.
• Let a co-worker know how much you appreciate them.
• Compliment a business or service that you enjoy.
• Reach out to someone who inspires you and let them know why. 
• Send your best friend the top ten reasons why you adore him or her.
• Write to a grandparent and let them know what they have taught you.
• Write a letter of encouragement to someone who is going through a hard time.  Let them know that you are there for them. 
• Delight a stranger by leaving an encouraging note in a public place for someone to find. 

Your words have power and the ability to bring joy.  Share your words and feelings with those around you.  Let them know how much they mean to you.  I guarantee your letter will change their day.  

Does it feel to overwhelming to begin with a letter?  I invite you to join the Love Notes Postcard Project.  All you need is (1) something to write with, (2) something to write on and (3) three stamps. I will hand-select your pen pal and provides you with writing prompts for each of the three rounds.  We begin on April 8th.  

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national letter writing month :: don't stop writing

This is the last week of national letter writing month but I urge you to keep on writing.  It seems that less and less people are sitting down with a piece of paper and a pen.  I have just learned that the thing to do in college is to not even purchase a notebook to take notes in, but rather photograph the board after the teacher is done.  This makes me gasp!  

If you came to my home you would find notebooks lying around, letters tucked in boxes, and postcards displayed throughout.  I cherish the written word  and the time, heart, and energy that goes into it.  Writing is healing.  Whether you are writing a letter to yourself, a grocery list, or a thank you card you are taking  the opportunity to organize your thoughts onto the page and to let out and express the jumble that is running through your brain.  This is important to do.  

Many people have the impression that writing is a solo endeavor, but it doesn't always have to be.  Two years ago I gathered with some lovely individuals in my home for an event called Feast of Words.  Each individual that walked into my home did not consider themselves a writer, yet as the night went on and they each showed up on the page with the different prompts they stretched and grew, letting out emotions and feelings that they were clinging deeply onto.  It was cathartic and healing and it was in that moment that I saw how deeply writing can touch everyone lives, even those who do not consider themselves a writer.  

Letter writing provides you with the perfect opportunity to let someone you know how deeply you care and appreciate them.  It is also perfect for a quick thank you and a personal hello to a friend who lives far away.  When you sit down to a piece of paper you arrive with more attention then if you were sending off a quick email or a text message.  The page encourages you to slow down and be intentional.  Savor this slowing down and sink deeply into the feel of the pen moving across the page.  

Here are some prompts to get you going:

• If I could tell you one thing it would be
• Today I thought of you because
• Remember when
• I admire your

Pick someone you love and write them a letter from one of the prompts above. If you can't think of anyone to write to, write to yourself.  Just show up and see what flows out.  You may surprise yourself.  

And keep on writing!  The world needs to hear what you have to say.  

national letter writing month :: writing prompts to get you going

photo credit:  Thea Coughlin

It is National Letter Writing Month!  When is the last time you sent or received a letter in the mail, the real mail?  There is something so special about receiving a bit of love in the mail.  It is a delightful surprise that lets others know you are thinking of them.  

Yet sitting down to a blank piece of paper can feel intimidating.  You may not know where to begin or what to say.  Have no fear!  Below are a few prompts to get you going.  Choose someone you want to write to and begin with one of the sentences below.  See where it takes you.  Be open to what pours out.  

• What I want you to know . . . 
• I remember when . . .
• Before I met you . . . 
• My wish for you . . .
• Together lets . . .

When you write from a place of love others feel that as they read your words.  Be willing to be open and let your heart be seen.  Do not be afraid to show that person how much you care about them and tell them how much they mean to you. 

Your words will brighten there day.  So go ahead, sit down and write a letter

national letter writing month

April is national letter writing month and I couldn't be more thrilled.  Letter writing feels like a lost art in the age of email and text messages, but it isn't something that we should let drift off into the forgotten.  When you sit down to write a letter you are saying yes to opening your heart and sharing details of yourself with the receiver.  There is an intimacy that occurs and the opportunity is there for you to open up a little more because there is no instant interaction, just a blank page for you to let go into.  

I write letters often.  Some of them never get sent and that is the intent when writing them.  I find it cathartic to speak directly to someone on the page and say all that I have to say.  there is freedom and non judgement.  It is a lovely space to be in.  

I challenge you to pull out a pen and a piece of paper and write a couple of letters this month.  To get you started here are some ideas of letters to be written:

• To your parents.  Thank them for all that they have taught you and let them know what you admire most about them.  
• To a dear friend sharing the way you remember one of your favorite times spent together.  
• To your partner. Be steamy, intimate, and open.  Tell them one thing you have always wanted to tell them.  
• To someone you admire.  This could be a famous author, actor, teacher, co-worker.  Let them know how much they mean to you and how much they have inspired you.  
• To yourself.  Be gentle and kind.  Celebrate your accomplishments and give yourself a pat on the back for all you do each and every day.  

Once your letter is written fold it up nicely and place it in an envelope.  Add an address and a stamp and drop it in the mailbox.  You will surprise and delight the recipient and your letter may even change the course of their day.  

Who will you be sending a letter to this week?  If you are feeling up to it write more than one.  Maybe write one a day.  Share below in the comments.  

And tune in next Monday for more letter writing ideas.  Happy writing!