A Few Kind Words 16/31

"To validate the existence of another human being is one of the most beautiful and selfless gifts we can give. In doing so, we also validate ourselves." ~ Tracey Willis Gates

I was recently gifted the book, The Power of a Few Kind Words by Tracey Willis Gates. Tracey writes about her transformational journey of writing a letter to someone (family, friends, co-workers, the mailman) every day for a year. When her father was asked what he wanted for his birthday, he replied, "A few kind words." Sadly, he died 7 months before he was to walk her down the aisle. But these words become the impetus and the guide to her letter-writing journey and the writing of the book.

In the book, she writes about five unexpected benefits of letter writing:

1. Writing a letter makes you happier
2. A letter can be cherished
3. It's a simple way to be mindful
4. It's a hug in an envelope to loved ones...
5. ...and a token of kindness to strangers

I remember when I was in college, I wrote letters to my friends, and I remember getting letters in return. Finding something in my sorority mailbox made my day. My parents got divorced when I was in college, and my grandmother sent me cards and letters, trying to help me navigate this major life change. I felt loved in a way I never had.

In my desk drawer at school, I have a collection of letters, cards, and notes I have received from students, parents, and colleagues over the years. I take them out to reread them from time to time, and I am filled with the joy of memories and the kindness of their words. 

If I feel this way as the recipient of letters, how would I feel if I were to be the writer of letters to family, friends, colleagues, or even strangers when we live in the day of impersonal text messages and emails. I don't know if I can do a letter a day, but I know I can certainly do more than I do now.

So, here is a letter to the slicing community.

Dear Slicers,

We are half-way through our journey. I appreciate you stopping by my corner of the world and leaving a comment. Just knowing that you have read my words encourages me to continue writing each day. You may not know this, but I find inspiration in your words. They make me laugh, and think, and sometimes they even bring a tear to my eye. But that's what words are supposed to do when we take the time to read them and linger with them. May we all continue to press onward these last 15 days and share the moments in our lives, big or small. And while we write, know that I appreciate your vulnerability, dedication, and willingness to share.

With kindness,

Leigh Anne

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating 
a space for me and other teacher-writers to share our stories.