national letter writing month :: don't stop writing

This is the last week of national letter writing month but I urge you to keep on writing.  It seems that less and less people are sitting down with a piece of paper and a pen.  I have just learned that the thing to do in college is to not even purchase a notebook to take notes in, but rather photograph the board after the teacher is done.  This makes me gasp!  

If you came to my home you would find notebooks lying around, letters tucked in boxes, and postcards displayed throughout.  I cherish the written word  and the time, heart, and energy that goes into it.  Writing is healing.  Whether you are writing a letter to yourself, a grocery list, or a thank you card you are taking  the opportunity to organize your thoughts onto the page and to let out and express the jumble that is running through your brain.  This is important to do.  

Many people have the impression that writing is a solo endeavor, but it doesn't always have to be.  Two years ago I gathered with some lovely individuals in my home for an event called Feast of Words.  Each individual that walked into my home did not consider themselves a writer, yet as the night went on and they each showed up on the page with the different prompts they stretched and grew, letting out emotions and feelings that they were clinging deeply onto.  It was cathartic and healing and it was in that moment that I saw how deeply writing can touch everyone lives, even those who do not consider themselves a writer.  

Letter writing provides you with the perfect opportunity to let someone you know how deeply you care and appreciate them.  It is also perfect for a quick thank you and a personal hello to a friend who lives far away.  When you sit down to a piece of paper you arrive with more attention then if you were sending off a quick email or a text message.  The page encourages you to slow down and be intentional.  Savor this slowing down and sink deeply into the feel of the pen moving across the page.  

Here are some prompts to get you going:

• If I could tell you one thing it would be
• Today I thought of you because
• Remember when
• I admire your

Pick someone you love and write them a letter from one of the prompts above. If you can't think of anyone to write to, write to yourself.  Just show up and see what flows out.  You may surprise yourself.  

And keep on writing!  The world needs to hear what you have to say.