MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR SOMEONE

I remember the days of notes passed in class. If the writer were on the other side of the class, they would have to pick someone to start the delivery process.  Everyone but the teacher was in on this delicious little secret. Would someone tattle?

Love notes were the best! Giggles. For the longest time, I kept those folded up momentos in a shoebox and would reread one or two of them whenever I needed a smile in my day.  My friends and I created these fancy little packages with their folded over corners tucking back into themselves so there wasn’t a need for envelopes, it was all-in-one.  The notes, written in pencil, coloured pencil, marker, or ink contained anything from poetry to a few scribbled words with doodles. It doesn’t matter what the note contained, or what medium the writing, receiving these notes was always fun.

After I left for school and moved away from my friends and family, I especially appreciated receiving delightful envelopes and packages from loved ones.  The effort made on some of the envelopes alone would send me rushing to my abode, eager to open my postbox treasure.

I still have a few cards that were given to me by my grandmother. I always forget where I put them and when I come across them again, it warms my heart to see my name in her handwriting, written on the envelope and portraying a sweet message inside the card

Sadly, it seems those days are long gone. We are all so busy with life that we forget or don’t take the time to remember the people we care about the most.  Facebook kindly reminds us of upcoming birthdays, and although it’s nice to read the well-wishes in post form, or receive emails, nothing beats a well-thought-out card or note. How many birthday cards do you still receive?  How many do you send? Do you know the address of any of the people on your friend list?

Yes, the internet has made it possible to reconnect with people we had been out of touch with, and I am grateful for the many online conversations I have had with long-lost friends, as a result.

In my last post, I shared a fun, creative, paperless option. This option enables the sender to design something more personal than an email or Facebook post.

As an animal welfare advocate and volunteer, these tangible, paper gems mean more than most people realize.

Some days and weeks can be tough. We deal with desperate situations and listen to countless stories that would break most people’s hearts. That little envelope would go a long way to help someone who might be suffering from compassion fatigue

Even a bad day can be made better knowing someone is thinking of you

I believe it is as therapeutic for the sender as it is for the recipient. There is just something about sitting down to write a card or a letter. I’m not talking about ‘group’, or ‘brag’ letters.  I’m talking about something special intended for one recipient.

I haven’t written Christmas cards in several years; I keep meaning to get back to this practice but sadly, have not. I don’t want to scribble my name on a pile of cards – Christmas is about more than that.

To me, this is less personal than a text or a tweet in which we fill the conversation with punctuation or emojis, instead of saying much of anything. We rarely share glimpses into our true lives these days.

People cause accidents by texting while driving, and I admit; I am guilty of sitting beside my husband at a bar, both of us with phones in hand catching up on our news-feeds. We don’t pause long enough to reflect. To be in the moment, individually, or to connect with others.

I feel that Christmas cards should still be personalized. Even just one or two lines such as:

Hi Jane, I heard you are expecting early in March………Congratulations! Dan and the boys must be very excited. You’ll have to make room for another stocking on the mantle.  Happy Holidays to you all xoxo

I used to start my Christmas cards in October. Crowds make me anxious, so I finish my shopping by Canadian Thanksgiving, and after that, I start preparing for Christmas.  One or three cards a night with a cup of tea or glass of wine and some music.  They may not be there physically, but I feel as if I’ve connected with friends instead of rushing through a task.

For those of you just visiting, my pack moved house in November. It was a crazy time.  No cards, no Christmas.  I could not bear to look at one more box!  I did not have time to sit and write cards.

So………………..I decided to surprise people with springtime notes!

Check your mailboxes people – you might be receiving something other than bills and flyers very soon.

It is such a wonderful feeling to know you have made someone’s day with something as simple and easy as an ‘out-of-the-blue’ note, or card.

 

Who will YOU write to?