I hear it all the time. People talking about how snail mail is a thing of the past. How they don’t send letters anymore. How they don’t even check their mail because they pay all of their bills online and don’t receive anything worth looking at in their mailbox.
Read MoreOn the East Coast, the clocks jumped ahead one hour. This shift in time signifies the end of the dark days of winter and the beginning of more daylight hours after work. It makes my heart smile and breathes life into my tired body.
Read MoreDear Brave Heart,
Thank you for being with me on this journey called life. I know it hasn’t always been easy. I have put you through the wringer. Together we have traversed deep loss, heartbreak, uncertainty, fear. We rode the waves of emotions and even when we didn’t think we would make it through; we did.
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.
Dear Little One,
I see you. There is wonderment in your eyes and a sense of freedom in everything you do. You view the world through a lens of possibility. I admire the way you show up with your entire heart and give it your all. You do not worry about what the world thinks. All that matters is if it is brining you joy.
You are passionate about everything you do. When you dance you let go and simply have fun. When you write you print slowly placing your finger after each word to ensure proper spacing. When you hug you hold on tight and lean in. When you smile the entire room lights up.
You are not yet clouded by the judgment of the world. You believe there is good in everyone. Without you even knowing it you give others a chance to prove you wrong and they usually end up proving you right. You take risks. You leap. You are unafraid to fall down. You always get back up and just keep on going.
It is incredible to watch you learn and grow. To see the way you navigate the world. To watch the way you interact with others. There are moments you hold back taking it all in but then you ease into your comfort and you break free. I love watching you break free. It is in these moments you sprint across the grass playing with the other kids and giggle wildly.
You have stories, so many stories. What a precious gift it is when you tell them with others. You share how the moment made you feel and you are sure you don't miss one single detail.
You love to lend a hand and help out. You create special spots at the table for everyone. You always want to hold the baby and try your hardest to make him smile. You help your little brother out even when he may be driving you crazy.
You have no idea how much joy you bring to the family. Your imagination, your thoughtfulness, your love, your energy. It is felt and makes a huge impact.
Never forget this feeling of freedom of completely being you. Stand tall with your head held high, your shoulders back, and your heart open. Let others get to know you. Continue to shine that smile that lights up an entire room. Always choose kindness. And never let the world tell you that you are to tall, to short, not pretty enough, not smart enough, not anything enough because you aren't. You exactly as you are is an incredible gift! Remember this always.
Sure, there will be some really tough times ahead but you will make it through them. Always reach out to your friends and family and know that I am here for you. You create magic wherever you go. Continue to stay open to the wonderment of it all. Continue to explore, to dream, to grow.
Love always,
One of your biggest fans
Interested in connecting with someone through snail mail? Join the Love Notes Postcard Project. We begin on April 8th. This free three week project connects you with another individuals in the group to send snail mail to. Unsure of what to write, don't worry we got you covered with a weekly prompt to get the pen moving. I invite you to slow down and join in on the snail mail revolution.
The US Post Office has officially declared April National Card and Letter Writing Month. How divine to have a month dedicated to putting pen to paper. Yes social media is great to instantly connect, but there is something special about slowing down and writing someone a letter.
Writing a letter requires you to take a moment and pause. You cannot just rush through it like you can a text message or email. There is intention in the words you put down on paper.
When it arrives in the recipients mailbox it is a ray of sunshine carrying with it joy and happiness. What makes a letter magical is the ability to hold it in your hand and see the penmanship and doodles of the person who wrote to you. It is a treasure that you can enjoy over and over again.
When I was in high school I sought out a pen pal through an ad in Teen Magazine. I had to beg my mom to send in the $5 to have me matched up with someone. When I received the first letter I was beyond excited. The envelope decorated with stickers and smiley faces and inside a letter documenting someones life. We wrote to each other often for a couple of years sharing our heart aches and happy moments. A friendship blossomed from afar long before internet communication was a thing. I still have those letters tucked away in my parents attic and when I look at them they still make me smile.
There are many different types of letters you can write and people you can write to. What matters most is that you take the time to share your heart in words. It does not have to be perfect. There can be cross outs and misspelling. As you write a new part of the story may unearth or your words may take you in a completely different direction. Give yourself permission to explore on the page wherever your words want to go.
Not sure where to get started? Here are a couple of options:
Your words have power and the ability to bring joy. Share your words and feelings with those around you. Let them know how much they mean to you. I guarantee your letter will change their day.
Does it feel to overwhelming to begin with a letter? I invite you to join the Love Notes Postcard Project. All you need is (1) something to write with, (2) something to write on and (3) three stamps. I will hand-select your pen pal and provides you with writing prompts for each of the three rounds. We begin on April 8th.
open your heart & share your story
Hello I'm Jennifer! A writer, podcaster and heart-centered guide. I believe in the power of the written word and am here to guide you in opening your heart.
