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Write Hand-Written Notes to People Who Have Impacted My Life

finished 2/6/19

8/17/16 Basically all I have done to start this task is to begin logging the names of the people I want to write to. The list is longer than my valentine list.  I just kept thinking of all the people who have touched my life.  I also made a couple of envelopes out of colorful paper I bought.  I'm so craftsy.

8/30/16 Maybe I should type these and then transpose them to hand-written, which is just the opposite of what you are normally doing. Sounds odd, but it may help me get started. Alright, I wrote a first draft letter to my mom. It felt a little cheesy though, almost like a greeting card could say it better. I want the letter to be meaningful. I want it to express my love and gratitude, but it needs to be real. However, I am learning that being real is not always the best route to take. Very much like Paul said in the Bible, "I am all things to all people in order to win one." He knew that sometimes it is not about the truth or even what you want to say, but about what someone else wants or needs to hear. I know I can't see things through her eyes, but I can try to look over her shoulder so to speak and at least see things from her perspective. She posted a video on Facebook last night highlighting how we need to love our parents while they are here and not take them for granted. I'm sure part of that message was for her personally because she has lost her parents and I'm sure would like to have them back. Much of that message was actually to me though. Your mom is waiting for you and needs to and just wants to be part of your life. 

9/3/16 I think I may alter this one a bit. I do like the hand-written notes because I think those are more special, but I also think a quick Facebook message to someone not quite as close to me would be nice too. I was thinking a friend of mine from church who helped me land my first job in Bentonville was an important part of where I am today. Might not be hand-written, but I still think she would like to hear a thank you. I may have already thanked her once before. We'll see.

1/31/17 This was a while back, but I got a text from Julie with a copy of a hand-written letter I had written her who know when. She kept it and reread it, which goes to show how important hand-written notes are.

10/22/17 I had an epiphany the other day in Fred Meyer, which really sounds ridiculous. Maybe it was more just a great idea. I saw some post cards from Seattle/Washington and as I passed by I was reminded how much others like to get mail or maybe how much I like to get mail. I have found the idea of long personal letters a bit daunting, but what if I do like I have with my school leaders and stamp and address postcards to people or at least address and date them. Then I can put it on my calendar to periodically send them a you are important to me card and maybe give them a compliment on why they are special. It doesn't have to be at holidays, but Thanksgiving (November 23, 2017), Valentines (February 14, 2018), Earth Day (April 22, 2018). Wait! what if I sent people postcards on weird holidays? There are all kinds of strange holidays that really aren't holidays, but I could send something anyway. I love that idea. I found a website that listed a bazillion holidays. January 2 in Run It Up the Flagpole and See If Anyone Salutes It Day. Now who doesn't want to celebrate that. 

I wonder if I can make my own postcards? I will look that up. https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Postcard Of course there is a website for that. Don't be ridiculous! 34 cents to send a postcard these days. Well, back in my day is was just a penny. No that is not true. I was just trying to sound old.  This idea just keeps getting better and better. 

11/18/17 Postcard #1 is complete with addresses and stamps. I decided to send to my coworkers and to my friends and family. I have completed 8 other postcards which should take me through February. I love this idea!! Yay!!!

11/23/17 Nobody said anything about their cards today, which means they did not get them yesterday either. I am crossing my fingers they make it by tomorrow, but we shall see. People are going to think it is totally weird, but that is ok. If it makes 1 person smile or chuckle, then it is worth it.

1/11/18 I have really enjoyed sending out these silly little cards. Brian asked what the heck it was all about. Denise told me thank you for always coming up with creative ways to show people I love them. Shelly sent me a picture of her ugly sweater. Hopefully the others at least have a smile on their faces when they get a piece of mail. Lots more fun to go.

2/6/19 I think I am finished with this adventure. Hopefully I created some joy this last year and made people feel special.

So that wrapped up year one of cards. This started out as just sending thank you notes, but it has definitely become something much bigger. Year number two I wanted to try to be a bit more inspirational so I went with quotes from people I admire or who just say good stuff. On to year two.