Yesterday’s challenge was to resist consumerism and focus on giving to others. I tried to be kind all day. Whether I succeeded is another question, but at least I tried. I considered paying for someone’s coffee or lunch, but then wondered if I was just finding another excuse to buy something. Instead, I made a donation to The Banquet, a local organization whose mission is “to provide a welcoming place where people can gather, receive nourishment, and experience love in action.” I work downtown and see people struggling with homelessness almost every day. I’m not always sure how best to help, but this seemed like a good place to start. Learn more at https://thebanquetsf.org.
Today’s challenge is a little different. Think of someone who has made a difference in your life. Maybe they encouraged you when you needed it, believed in you when you doubted yourself, or simply made your life better by being part of it. Now write that person a letter AND mail it. I’m a believer in handwritten notes, although you do you. It doesn’t have to be long or eloquent. Just tell them what they mean to you and why you’re grateful they’re part of your life. Don’t let Hallmark do all the talking. Use your own words. (Though I am grateful for Hallmark Christmas movies!) Imagine how it might feel to open the mailbox and find an unexpected note from someone telling you that you’ve made a difference in their life. That’s a gift worth giving, and one they might treasure for years.
Bonus points if you make a list of people who have made a difference in your life. Teachers, friends, mentors, family members, or someone who helped you at just the right moment. I’ve got a few people in mind. Now I just need to find some stationery and a stamp. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Tonight, take a few minutes to journal about the person you chose and why. Make a list of others you might want to thank. What if you made it a habit to send one handwritten note every month? That’s twelve people a year who would receive an unexpected reminder that they mattered to someone. Not a bad return on the price of a stamp.
