if I knew then what I know now

If I knew then what I know now
I would be a lot kinder to myself
Dropping the judgment and layering on the love
I would listen to my intuition
And leave behind the criticism of others
I would stand tall in who I am
Head held high, shoulders back, a smile on my face
I wouldn’t worry what others thought
But did what my heart desired
I would laugh out loud
Dance in the aisles of the grocery store
Chat with strangers
Share my stories
Go on more trips
Seek out new places
Give lots of hugs
Spend more time connecting rather than cleaning
If I knew then what I know now
I would worry less
Trust more
And show up sparkling in the world

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If I knew then what I know now …

This is the first writing prompt for this round of the Love Notes Postcard Project. How would you respond? Share in the comments below.

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the love notes postcard project is back

When is the last time you received a handwritten note in your mailbox just for YOU? I invite you to join the Love Notes Postcard Project where you will connect with another individual by sending postcards to one another for three weeks. This simple and free project provides you the opportunity to open up, share your heart, and even make a new friend.

Texting, social media, and email are fabulous forms of instant communication. But nothing beats that anticipation of receiving something intentionally written just for you. Seeing someone’s handwriting and being able to hold a card in your hand brings you closer to that person and elicits a feeling of joy and delight. I hope you will join us.

We begin April 10th. Sign up today!

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YOU make it happen

When I started the Love Notes Postcard Project I had no idea if anyone would be interested in participating. Would strangers really be open to sending snail mail to another? Is it something they would actually want to do?

The project was living and breathing in my heart for awhile. I was craving connection with others. I wanted a way to reach out. I thought if this was something I desired there had to be others out there like me who were looking for this as well.

And so I took a leap. I put the call out there unsure of what the response would be. Luckily I was pleasantly surprised. Individuals were not only interested in sending snail mail, but they were excited about it. They put there hearts into and showed up with so much compassion and kindness. I was blown away!

In dreaming and scheming up this idea one thing I wanted to ensure was that it was easy and simple for anyone to participate. That is how I choose postcards as the format. There is already artwork on it and the writing space is small which makes it less intimidating. The project last for three weeks and individuals are paired up with one another. I provide a writing prompt each Sunday so there is no fear about what to say. Three weeks + three postcards = an opportunity to connect with a stranger through the written word.

I am currently hosting the Love Notes Postcard Project for the twenty-fifth time since it’s inception. The magic of the internet has helped spread the word and individuals from all over the world are participating. Not only do they open up their hearts to their partner but they cheer others on in the Facebook Group.

What started as a small idea flourished into a loving community.

I am so grateful for every individual who has shown up and participated. This project would not be possible without these individuals willing to take a chance and write out a postcard. The community that has formed is filled with the most loving and kind individuals it makes my heart smile wide.

My mailbox is also a lot happier. No longer is it just filled with bills and junk but rays of sunshine appear in the form of handwritten notes just for me. It makes going to the mailbox exciting again.

What also always blows me away is how unique and amazing everyone is who participates. There are people from all walks of life shining there light in this world in such different and incredible ways. Below are some of the websites from some of the people participating this round. Check them out and see what beauty is being shared in this world.

• Re Discovering Joy

• My Something Wonderful

• Sarah on Purpose

• Bringing Words to Life

• Angela Heather

• Inconsequizzical

• Postcards in the Air

• Pics and Post

• Shannan Enjoys Life

• Stephanie Jade Wong

• Lynda Fishbourne

• Meticulosity

• Agnestirrito

• Thoughts Along the Way

• It All Starts Today

• Danielle James

• The Sea Star Shop

• Lolailo

• Postings

• Pet Portraits by Lisa

• A Simpler Time

• Postcards from Around the World

• Color Spaces

• Younique

The current round I am hosting is the last one for 2018 but another one will open up in January. I hope that you will join us. One postcard may seem like such a small thing, but it truly carries with it an incredible impact. Words have power.

Is there something that has been living and breathing deep in your heart? Something you are craving but can’t find anywhere? If so, create it. Make it happen. I couldn’t find anything like Love Notes before I started it. But just because it didn’t exist that didn’t mean people didn’t want to do something like that. You have to put it out into the world. You have to take a risk. Chances are if you are craving it others are as well. I encourage you to make it happen!

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you may need these words

Dear 18 Year Old Self,

I know that you are wise and strong. I see how hard you try. In standing where I am today and knowing what I know now there are some things I want to share with you.

I invite you to show up to life and be ok with making mistakes. We all make them, it is a part of growing and learning. Do not be so hard on yourself. Life is about falling down and finding your way back up again.

Keep an open mind and open heart. Listen when others speak. Allow them a chance to express their own beliefs and opinions before you jump in. Even though you may not agree with what they have to say you may learn something.

But don’t let others opinions jade your own. Stand in your truth, especially when you know in your core what is right for you. Follow your heart, it will never steer you wrong.

Life can only be tackled one moment at a time. Don’t worry about the final outcome. Just make the next right move.

You know that desire that is burning in your heart? Go after it with everything you got. Never give up on your dreams. Chase them, chase them, and continue chasing them until you make them happen.

How you choose to speak to yourself is so important. Your words have energy. What you speak you invite into your life. Choose words of love, kindness, and compassion.

Get plenty of sleep but also enjoy those late nights chatting with friends or snuggling with your significant other.  And speaking about friends never ditch them for the person your dating. Your friendships are important but in order for them to continue to flourish you need to make time and tend to them.

Savor the little moments that make you laugh so hard your side hurts.  Try new things.  See new places.  Meet new people.  Stay open to life. And remember, people aren't mind readers.  You have to tell them what you are thinking.  

I know that you are going to do great things in this world. Keep reaching for the stars and sharing your smile. The world wants to see you shine!

xoxo
Jennifer

These words were inspired from the first writing prompt of the Love Notes Postcard Project. I had participants to share with each other what they would tell their 18 year old self knowing what they know now. It is amazing that the words our 18 year old self may need to here you may also need right now in this moment. Life is cyclical. You are constantly reminded of the lessons you need to learn again and again.

This was me at 18 years old. I thought I knew it all. I was ready to take on the world, yet I had no idea what the world had in store for me.

I didn’t know that I would fall to my knees more times than I can count. That my heart would break over and over and over. That I would get lost, make terrible choices and be unsure of where to go next. I had no idea how hard it would be.

But I also didn’t know that I would have strength to stand back up again. I would do things I never thought possible. I would meet the most incredible people and have the most epic experiences. I would carve my own path. I would find my way back to myself and I would stand tall in who I am.

Life has this way of pushing you to your limits. Making you stand in the uncomfortable. Forcing you to make tough decisions. In order to thrive you have to learn who you are and what you believe in. You have to stand up for yourself even when others don’t agree.

It easy to look back and see what you could have done better. But what matters most is where you are right now and what that next right step is. Choose joy. Choose love. Choose YOU!

Pull out your notebook and write a letter to your 18 year old self. What would you want them to know. What lessons have you learned along the way that you think could help then on their journey?

Share in the comments what you would tell your 18 year old self as there is someone out there who may need these words as well.

Let's Work Together

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Love Notes Participants

The Love Notes Postcard Project is a divine adventure of snail mail magic.  It is a three week project where individuals are paired up with one another to send one postcard a week based off of the weekly writing prompt.  

The individuals who participate are overflowing with kindness and love.  This project would not be possible without their wide open hearts and willingness to reach out to a stranger.  I am beyond grateful for each of them.  

What is amazing to me is that the people who are a part of Love Notes are so different yet at the same time very similar because they all understand the human condition of wanting to connect with others.  Below are just some of the incredible individuals and where you can find them on the world wide web.  

I invite you to grab a cup of tea and visit their virtual porches.  Stop by to say hello and let them that you were there.  

Life & Living

• Sarah on Purpose
• Shannan Enjoys Life!
• Pics and Posts
• Rita Herrmann
• Danielle James
• One Small Sentence
• Three Ravens
• Angela Heather
• Debra Fillingim
• Willkommen im Facettenreich!

Art

• Artyzenworld
• Pet Portraits by Lisa
• Meticulosity
• Postcards in the Air
• Hearts Untangled
• Lauren Bell Archives & Preservation
• Lolailo

Photography

• Alice Belthoff Photography
• Mary Farmer Photography
• Christine Cassidy Art & Photography
   

Letter Writing

• Postmark'd Studio
• Postings

People

• Facets of Joy
• Stephanie Jade Wong
• Minneapolis Voice Actor Melinda Kordich
• Color Street

Experiences

• Mohegan Boat Line
• Laura's Learn and Play Nature School