Write a Heartfelt Letter

I have a bazillion little coffee table books on life, success, quotes, etc. I really want to be a book worm, but I always have to many things, ideas, books, and goals going on at once. I should really work on that. Ha. None the less, when I do read it tends to be exclusively Non-Fiction. I only like to read things that can be helpful, educational, and functional. And it also helps if it is broken down into small chapter. Thus why I LOVE Philosophers MINI-CHAPTERS. Its the only way I can get through a significant amount of literature. Anyhooters...

I got a bunch of these mini books, or coffee table books as I call em, around the time of college graduation. One of my favorite mini book authors is Richard Carlson. I have many of his books, but the one I have pulled aside tonight to revisit is "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff". If you click Don't Sweat it should bring you to the Carlson's site, and it begins with a brief message from Kristi Carlson, speaking on behalf of Richard. Great people. This book in particular has 1-3 page mini chapters. Each of the chapters explores a way to help you accept what life has to offer with far less resistance. According to Zen philosophy, when you "Let Go" of problems instead of resisting with all your might, your life will begin to flow. "Change the things that can be changed, accept those that cannot, and have the wisdom to know the difference" as our AA friends believe.

There are a lot of favorite chapters in this quick read, but one of my favorites that I have always been a supporter of and will continue to support is chapter 20. Once a Week, Write a Heartfelt Letter. Okay, so I don't do this once a week, but I try my best to send out some 'snail mail' once a month. Its one of those things that I thoroughly enjoy, and who doesn't like to get a nice note in the mail from a friend, opposed to a bill or junk mail.

Excerpts:

{Picking up a pen or typing on a keyboard slows you down long enough to remember the beautiful people in your life. The act of sitting down to write helps to fill you life with gratitude}

{Even if you don't have people in your life to whom you feel you can write, go ahead and write the letter to someone you don't know instead - the value of the letter is to gear your thinking toward gratitude.}

{Not only does writing and sending a note like this focus your attention on what's right in your life, but the person receiving it will, in all likelihood, be extremely touched and grateful. Often this simple action starts a spiral of loving actions whereby the person receiving your letter may decide to do the same thing to someone else, or perhaps will act and feel more loving toward others.} ...can we say Pay It Forward

Growing up my parents instilled in my sister and me the importance of writing thank you letters, and we have both carried on that trait to our current lives. Whether its after birthdays, Christmas, job interviews, or other special happenings, the first thing I like to do, is get out my thank you letters. But even more fun is sending a letter or card for no reason what-so-ever.

So consider yourself warned. ;) And give it a try. I bet you'll be glad you did.