connection with nature & community

If you ever come looking for me you will most likely find me outside.  Breathing in the fresh air, soaking in the sunshine, and connecting with nature.  This is what grounds me and brings me joy.    

Recently I had the opportunity to connect with two dear locals girls to chat about Love Notes as we explored a part of the Appalachian Trail together.  Kristen and Marybeth are the founders of 7th Heaven Hikes.  They believe that life is supposed to be a joyful experience for everyone.  They have a deep appreciation for nature and connecting with individuals.  They have just began their business venture together even though it has been long in the works before they even realized it.  They are a magical duo and refer to themselves as the Wonder Twins.  

Kristen and I met at Yoga Teacher Training.  Her spirt and spark lit up the room.  I admire her courage, the way she takes on challenges even when she is uncomfortable, and her deep spirited nature.  She is also a Jikeden Reiki Practitioner.  I have gone to her for Reiki treatments and always left feeling lighter and more energized.  

The work that Kristen and Marybeth are doing is so needed in today's world.  It is all about getting outside, connecting with nature, feeling the warm sunshine on your skin, breathing in the fresh air, and connecting with individuals. It is about stepping away from technology and stepping into this beautiful world that mother nature created.  As we hiked we saw many hearts which confirmed that it was a true Love Notes walk.  

You can connect with 7th Heaven Hikes through their website, Facebook page, and Instagram. 

What I love most about 7th Heaven Hikes is the in person connection with community.  This has been a focus for me.  I am most comfortable connecting with others through the written word.  Through writing I can cut right to the heart of the matter and do not have to worry about small talk.  As an introvert in person gatherings can take a toll on me.  I want to jump into the juicy stuff but struggle to know how to get there.  So I go where I am comfortable and listen rather than speak. 

But I am craving sitting across from you.  Looking into your eyes as we share our stories.  Reaching out and holding your hand.  Getting to know your mannerisms and being able to hear the sound of your voice.  Connecting in person allows us to go in deeper.  To really see one another.  

I have connected through the written word with so many amazing individuals in the Love Notes community.  It is filled with wide open hearts and I am always left in amazement for how giving, compassionate, and empathetic they are with one another.  I dream of gathering together.  Sitting around a giant campfire, telling stories, sharing our hearts, and simply just being together.  Oh the magic that would unfold if we were all in one place!  

Let's Get Together

Until I can iron out the details for a larger gathering I would love the opportunity to meet up with local Love Noters. 

I am based out of Mahwah NJ and will be doing something in the Bergen County area on the afternoon of August 5th.  If you are around I would to meet you.   

We can do so much more when we come together than we ever can alone.  And when we join together in person we are that much stronger.  I look forward to seeing you!  

Have any questions feel free to drop me a note: jennifer@jenniferbelthoff.com

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

I invite you

I invite you to slow down and take a moment just for YOU.  Yes, you.  You deserve it.  You may still be in your PJ's.  Your hair may be a mess.  The dishes may need to be done.  But don't worry about any of that right now. 

Make yourself a cup of tea.  Find a warm place to sit.  Get comfortable. 

Sit for a just moment.  I know, it can be hard to do but I promise you have the time to do it. Constantly we are go, go, go.  But we need to slow down. We need to take the time and create the space to just be.  Do not worry about your long to do list I promise you it will still be there for you when you are through. 

Think about what has made you happy recently. 

What has lit you up?  The smiles from your children.  A wave from a stranger.  That moment in yoga class when you fell into deep meditation.  Just think of one good thing and smile.  Don't smile with just your face, but smile from your heart.  Feel the joy this one precious moment in life brought you.  

Now think of something you are grateful for. 

I know there are many but choose just one.  What one thing, person, moment are you most grateful to have, have been a part of, have been surrounded by.  Think of what you are thankful for and smile.  Again smile with your entire heart.  Feel the the love you have for what you are grateful for.  

Now think about someone you love and adore. 

Picture him or her in all their glory doing what they enjoy most.  See the happiness on their face and the love in their eyes.  Send them light and love for all the adventures they will take in their lifetime.  Smile because they are precious gift in your life and you are a precious gift to them.  

I invite you to sink into all this goodness.  Because no matter how crazy and out of hand life can get there will always be something that made you happy, something you are grateful for, and someone you love.  And when you think of these things a smile will form on your face and you can take it just a little bit deeper by smiling from your heart.   

Smile from your heart today!

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This post was inspired by the third prompt for this round of the Love Notes Postcard Project.  This free, three week project invites individuals to get back to the basics and connect with others through snail mail.  This is the twenty third time I am hosting the project and could not be more excited.  

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together we can

Together we can do so much more than we can on our own.  We need one another.  When we come together we cheer each other on, lean in, and help one another out. 

Together we rise.  

As a human being you are not meant to travel alone on this journey. 

You need connection
You need to be seen
You need to be heard

We flourish together.  We encourage one another to step forward, take a risk, take a leap.  We are there to listen, to be a sounding board, and sometimes just to sit quietly.  

Together we stand a little bit taller.  Head held high.   Shoulders back.  Heart open.  We believe in ourselves a little bit more and show others how deeply we believe in them.  We don't let people give up.  We provide the tools and strength they may not have in the moment.  

Together we move mountains.

We cannot wait for someone to come knocking on our door. We must reach out and bring others in.  Because together is where we are meant to be. 

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This post was inspired by the second prompt for this round of the Love Notes Postcard Project.  This free, three week project invites individuals to get back to the basics and connect with others through snail mail.  This is the twenty third time I am hosting the project and could not be more excited.  

I may not know you but

I may not know you {yet} but I know how hard you try.  I know the way you show up in this world with your heart on your sleeve giving it your all.  You fall down, but you always get back up.  You look to seek out the joy and you don't stop until you find it.  Sure others try to knock you down but you don't let them push you around. 

You may be quiet, but you are fierce.  A fighter for what is right and true.  You believe in kindness and surprising strangers with random acts of love.  You take the time to listen, truly listen.  You reach out and invite others in.  You know that we aren't meant to travel this world alone so you break down your own walls and share your heart with others.  

Your smile is a gift. 
Your patience is outstanding. 
The way you give others space to just be is beautiful.  

I may not know you, but I see you.  I honor your passion and am cheering you on.  Your light shines so bright in this world.  It touches places you do not even see.  Stand with your head held high, your shoulders back, and your heart shining.  And know that you are AMAZING!

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This post was inspired by the first prompt for this round of the Love Notes Postcard Project.  This free, three week project invites individuals to get back to the basics and connect with others through snail mail.  This is the twenty third time I am hosting the project and could not be more excited.  

national letter writing month

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:

• Write to a friend or family member sharing your favorite memory of the two of you together.
• Write to your significant other reminiscing about the day you first met and the moment you knew it was love.
• Share a joke with a child.
• Let a co-worker know how much you appreciate them.
• Compliment a business or service that you enjoy.
• Reach out to someone who inspires you and let them know why. 
• Send your best friend the top ten reasons why you adore him or her.
• Write to a grandparent and let them know what they have taught you.
• Write a letter of encouragement to someone who is going through a hard time.  Let them know that you are there for them. 
• Delight a stranger by leaving an encouraging note in a public place for someone to find. 

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.  

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