"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:
- Writing a letter makes you happier
- A letter can be cherished
- It's a simple way to be mindful
- It's a hug in an envelope to loved ones...
- ...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.
a space for me and other teacher-writers to share our stories.
This is lovely -- I do, cherish a hand written note. I do this for my students a few times through the year. There is something to take the time to think about the person, write to them, and then imagine their reaction. This is a great "challenge".
ReplyDeleteIn this age of technology, letter writing has become a lost art. Just as holding a boo physically gives great pleasure and comfort, so does holding a letter. We cherish the writer. We get to know their handwriting. We connect. arjeha
ReplyDeleteA handwritten note is a gift to cherish, a window into both the sender's and the recipient's hearts, and a future artifact that reflects the world today. Thanks for this inspiring post, and a great book recommendation.
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me to consider letter writing again. A few years ago I had a list of people I knew battling cancer. I would write them a letter each week. It was deeply satisfying and the recipients treasured them as well. I keep meaning to do this again. A letter each day may not be doable, but once a week….easy and meaningful. I’m adding stationary to my analog bag.
ReplyDeleteDear Leigh,
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of letter writing. On Friday, I wrote a letter to a college using a Sharpie and a page ripped from an old lesson planner spiral notebook from a company called School Specialty. I love using old textbooks and stuff left by the teacher purges that happen periodically from classroom. There's so much good stationary in there if you're willing to give old books a new home.
I love this, and felt as if you were addressing me personally, Leigh Anne! I thought I was one of the last letter writers, and had lost enthusiasm lately, but you are reinvigorating me. I totally agree with those 5 benefits.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to read the book that inspired you! What a wonderful challenge. Thank you for your letter of encouragement and appreciation to all us slicers. I have enjoyed reading your slices, as well!
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne,
ReplyDeleteI don’t need another book, but I will likely buy this one. A couple years ago I embarked on a project to write seven women a postcard each eeek. I chose an aunt, a former high school teacher, a former student, and some friends in education. I loved knowing they’d get a postcard from me. In turn, I’ve received mail from them. I need to do this again. Letters are powerful. I had a student in my Comm 1101 (dual credit speech) class one year who gave a persuasive speech on letter writing. She provided each student and myself stationary as part of her call to action. It was an amazing speech and a reason we still keep in touch. Much luck to you as you set a modest letter writing goal and work toward achieving it.
Leigh Anne, I am so delighted that my book found its way into your hands and that my kindness mission resonated with you. I appreciate you sharing about my book with your readers. It sounds like you have built a community of fellow kindness ambassadors. It is such a powerful energy boost to share unexpected letters of appreciation with people in your orbit. I love to offer the challenge of trying it every day for 7 days and see how you feel. You are making a difference in this world. Keep shining your bright. With appreciation, Tracey Gates
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you about how special and important letters are. I keep all the letters and cards that were sent to me over the years. I also take them out on occassion and read them. I remember in college getting letters from my mother and they made me feel loved when I was having a hard day. These days I rarely get letters sent to me, so thank you for yours!
ReplyDeleteI started thinking about letter writing recently after I finished reading The Correspondent. You find out so much about the main character through her letters and those that are sent to her. I love how you reach out to this writing community - this letter, and your various "parties" over the years. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI have received some beautiful cards and notes since the passing of my husband which I greatly appreciated. It did get me thinking though about not waiting until something happens to write the notes. This is one of my goals for when I retire in June - start letter writing again. I will have to check out this book.
ReplyDeleteYes Leigh Anne, receiving comments feels like receiving letters of acknowledgement. I agree with this sentiment; "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."
ReplyDeleteLeigh Ann, this is beautiful. I like the idea of writing a letter a day. I wonder how long I could keep it up! Like other commenters, I also have a collection of cards and notes that are special - and that includes my students! I started doing "pen pals" with them not so long ago, and some of them have even kept it up every now and again.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should get that going again...
I love writing and receiving letters, cards and notes. I was especially touched by your grandmother's care for you, through the mail, during a time of need. May we all send more letters, and encourage a word where we "linger" with meaningful words (love that word choice, Leigh Ann!).
ReplyDelete