respond with love. stay connected.
AN EXPERIMENT IN GRATITUDE
Chances are you, like me, have been reaching out more than ever to friends and loved ones via Facetime, Zoom and telephone over the past 30+ days. It’s been great to use this time reconnect. But as shelter-in-place orders continue for many of us, I’m beginning to think an even more thoughtful and healing way to get in touch might be in order. Good old-fashioned letter writing.
To read more about the inspiration, visit our blog.
Check it out, and then
embark on your own!
YES, BUT WHO?
If choosing who to thank doesn’t come easy at first, not to worry. In a matter of a day or two, it will. Start with the first person who comes to mind. Others will follow. For a little more help, consider: Someone you haven’t spoken to in a year. Or in a decade. Or since you were a child. A family member outside your nuclear family. Your neighbor. The friend who’s the farthest distance away. A person selected at random from your contacts. Someone you imagine to be lonely. Or overwhelmed. Or bored. Any of the many someones you look forward to seeing again sometime soon.
IF I RESPOND
with love,
I STAY
connected.
YOUR BRAIN ON THANKS
The science of gratitude can change your brain. Sure, it simply feels good. It also forces us to go outside ourselves. And that means connecting—with people, places, ideas, communities, or Those Things That Are Larger Than Ourselves. Did you know studies have shown that writing gratitude letters for three weeks straight improves mental health and can help overcome feelings of anxiety or depression? It’s a fact.
WRITEOUSNESS
Before getting started, check out what kinds of pens, paper and envelopes you have on hand. If you’ve got a variety, have fun mixing it up. Stamps, too. Remember, you can doodle and draw as well as write. You can also add an enclosure: a leaf, a recipe, a photo, a bookmark, what have you.
GIVE YOUR HEART A HAND
Writing is good for you. And letter writing is super beneficial. Letter writing encourages us to be as clear as we can. And that can be hugely cathartic. Want to boost your emotional growth? Write a letter!
Action item:
Go find a letter you’ve kept and reread it.
HOMEPOWERMENT
Here are just a few helpful resources I’ve found comforting and inspiring during this time.
SHELTERING IN LOVE, TARA BRACH
No matter how limited your living space, your mindspace can be vast.
I feel, therefore I think
GREATER GOOD MAGAZINE
The subtitle says it all: Science-based insights for a meaningful life.
LIMITLESS: UPGRADE YOUR BRAIN, LEARN ANYTHING FASTER, AND UNLOCK YOUR EXCEPTIONAL LIFE, JIM KWIK
While I’m at it, why yes, I’ll upgrade my brain, too.
SHARE YOUR STORIES
What experiences have you had writing letters and reconnecting? Has expressing gratitude led to growth? We’d love to hear—and share further.
Drop us a note.
Or, by all means, send a letter.
TIME TO GET REAL
Look, I get that writing actual letters will never re-mainstream in the digital age. But I believe the good things that come from it will. In the world that’s emerging, fake feelings are out. Inner lives are more openly expressed. And empathy, compassion and connection are becoming the currency of choice. If you want to succeed in this world, be prepared to live by your principles. Ascribe to a higher purpose. And put wit and intelligence to work. That’s not just me talking. Look around you, and listen closely.
Practicing gratitude will help you to hear.
YES, BUT WHO?
If choosing who to thank doesn’t come easy at first, not to worry. In a matter of a day or two, it will. Start with the first person who comes to mind. Others will follow. For a little more help, consider: Someone you haven’t spoken to in a year. Or in a decade. Or since you were a child. A family member outside your nuclear family. Your neighbor. The friend who’s the farthest distance away. A person selected at random from your contacts. Someone you imagine to be lonely. Or overwhelmed. Or bored. Any of the many someones you look forward to seeing again sometime soon.
IF I RESPOND
with love,
I STAY
connected.
YOUR BRAIN ON THANKS
The science of gratitude can change your brain. Sure, it simply feels good. It also forces us to go outside ourselves. And that means connecting—with people, places, ideas, communities, or Those Things That Are Larger Than Ourselves. Did you know studies have shown that writing gratitude letters for three weeks straight improves mental health and can help overcome feelings of anxiety or depression? It’s a fact.
WRITEOUSNESS
Before getting started, check out what kinds of pens, paper and envelopes you have on hand. If you’ve got a variety, have fun mixing it up. Stamps, too. Remember, you can doodle and draw as well as write. You can also add an enclosure: a leaf, a recipe, a photo, a bookmark, what have you.
GIVE YOUR HEART A HAND
Writing is good for you. And letter writing is super beneficial. Letter writing encourages us to be as clear as we can. And that can be hugely cathartic. Want to boost your emotional growth? Write a letter!
Action item:
Go find a letter you’ve kept and reread it.
HOMEPOWERMENT
Here are just a few helpful resources I’ve found comforting and inspiring during this time.
SHELTERING IN LOVE, TARA BRACH
No matter how limited your living space, your mindspace can be vast.
I feel, therefore I think
GREATER GOOD MAGAZINE
The subtitle says it all: Science-based insights for a meaningful life.
LIMITLESS: UPGRADE YOUR BRAIN, LEARN ANYTHING FASTER, AND UNLOCK YOUR EXCEPTIONAL LIFE, JIM KWIK
While I’m at it, why yes, I’ll upgrade my brain, too.
SHARE YOUR STORIES
What experiences have you had writing letters and reconnecting? Has expressing gratitude led to growth? We’d love to hear—and share further.
Drop us a note.
Or, by all means, send a letter.
TIME TO GET REAL
Look, I get that writing actual letters will never re-mainstream in the digital age. But I believe the good things that come from it will. In the world that’s emerging, fake feelings are out. Inner lives are more openly expressed. And empathy, compassion and connection are becoming the currency of choice. If you want to succeed in this world, be prepared to live by your principles. Ascribe to a higher purpose. And put wit and intelligence to work. That’s not just me talking. Look around you, and listen closely.
Practicing gratitude will help you to hear.