Blog Thoughts: Reminders

I have been practicing letter writing since childhood. Somewhere along the way on retreats and in recovery it was introduced to me in the context of writing myself a letter. It can be a very foreign concept at first, but then when you dig deep and see it as a form of journaling it becomes a very easy healing tool.

I have written letters to my kids since they were born for every occasion under the moon and just because. I write letters to friends for the same reasons. It brings me joy and I hope it brings a little light and joy on the end of the receiver as well.

At one point I started taking the practice a little deeper. Since they were young I have my now teens write letters to themselves at the beginning of school, which I give back at the last week from the New Year to just times when I see they need to be reminded of their own voice. 

I practice this in workshops and retreats as well and have received the best responses. That said, I just came off a beautiful retreat weekend and often I am completely drained. As human as anyone else, I begin to critique my work and wonder what worked and what didn't. Sometimes I can take it to a dark place! Well, when I got home a letter came from ME the next day. I can't remember when I wrote it, but I gave it to my daughter to surprise me.

I never would have considered how much I needed to hear my own self and be reminded of self - care. Once again, I practice what I preach and share it with others for I know it has merit.

Try it today...write a letter to yourself and give it to someone to mail when you least expect it. Let me know how it goes, trust that you will find a gift in it!