Recently in northern New Jersey there had been a lot of rainy days that kept me within the four walls of my home. I didn’t have the motivation to head out the door to my favorite stomping grounds to work; the local coffee shop, the library, and the park. I ended up staying hunkered inside and quickly fell down the rabbit hole of darkness.
Read MoreWhat makes being human beautiful is that we are all uniquely different. There are things that come naturally to you. You show up and do them exceptionally well without even having to think about it. These are your strengths and make up your divine spirit.
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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.
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!
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.
As a LOVE Champion I believe strongly in showing up to life with compassion. Human beings all have the same innate desire to be seen, to be heard, to be loved. We all want to be in community with others and find a space where we are comfortable and confident standing in our own light.
However, it is not always easy to show up with love. When someone has caused you pain, chosen to judge you, or won’t invite you into their space the hurt can sting and bubble up. This pain causes a ripple effect where you make your own judgements and shut yourself down. But what if instead of standing in the pain you chose to rise above and choose love?
“We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.”
You have the power to choose how you are going to react to a situation. You can choose to show up with love or hate. You can choose to listen or shut it out. You can choose to invite someone in or close the door on them.
Not everyone will agree with you. Not everyone will act the way you want them to. Not everyone will do what you thought they would. But you have the power to choose your reaction. The mind is a powerful tool.
The Law of Attraction is the belief that what we focus on we attract. If you focus on the negative you invite more negativity into your life. If you think you can’t do something you’ve already started three steps back and have a bigger mountain to overcome. But if you shift your thinking and choose to seek out the positive and show up with compassion you invite more love and kindness into your world.
It is not always easy to do, especially when things are rough and you struggle to find the good. One of my go to self-care life changing practices during these difficult moments has been Metta Meditation. This type of meditation is intended to evoke a feeling of love and kindness for yourself and others.
Here’s how it works. Start by getting into a comfortable position. Let your body rest and relax. Let go of any expectations you have. Gently close your eyes and repeat the following words as you picture yourself.
May I be happy
May I be healthy
May I be joyful
May I be peaceful & at ease
You begin with yourself because you can’t love others unless you love who you are. For three minutes {or any amount of time that feels right for you} repeat these phrases. After focusing on yourself choose someone you love. Picture this person in your mind and repeat the same phrases.
May you be happy
May you be healthy
May you be joyful
May you be peaceful & at ease
After you have focused on someone that you love think of a person in your life who you are struggling with. Picture them in you mind and repeat the same phrases holding close love and kindness for them. After you have focused on this person shift to a broader picture of everyone in the world and repeat the same phrases.
As you go through this meditation you are opening up your heart and sending out love and kindness. This meditation can be done anywhere and you can choose the phrases that you want to say. It does not have to be exactly what is above, choose what you need.
The other day my heart was feeling rather dark. I was going down the rabbit hole of judgement and getting frustrated over the situation. As I sat in the nail salon I choose to do this meditation rather than continue to get upset. It was incredible how focusing on love helped lift the darkness that was swirling. I left the nail salon smiling from ear to ear and feeling so much lighter.
It may be difficult at first to send love to the person you are struggling with, but remember they are human and we don’t know all that they are struggling with. But what we are able to do is send them a bit of love and kindness.
This meditation has been life changing for me. It has taught me to slow down and choose love over anger. It has helped me release my mind of judgment and choose compassion. I feel so much better after I do it.
The world could use all the love that people are willing to give. By doing this meditation you are choosing love! Go ahead and give it a try! Would love to hear how you felt after in the comments below.
One foot in front of the other as I follow the yellow trail. Up the mountain, around the lake, and back down. This has become one of my favorite places to walk. It is a good balance between climbing and flat terrain with the added bonus of being near the lake.
One foot in front of the other. The worry, the fear, the feelings of not being good enough slowly begin to melt away with each step. I do not need to know where I am going. I just need to keep an eye out for the trail markers as I continue moving forward.
My body falls into a comfortable rhythm. The sound of the dirt and leaves crunching below me calms my heart. It is just me and the trees. There is no where else I need to be. I can take my time here.
For the past four months I have been unearthing unknown ground. Being unemployed has shifted me and pushed me up to my edges. I feel uncertain about the future. It is hard to commit to plans because I do not know where I will end up. What I will be doing? What will my time commitment be? It all feels uncertain.
As I follow the yellow trail I wish that there were trail markers for this unknown journey. Something lighting the way and showing me where to go. People tell me to embrace the unknown and yes it is an exciting time but it is also a scary place to be.
There have been times it has filled me with doubt. Wondering if I am good enough. Wondering if someone will ever want to hire me. Wondering what it is I really am meant to do. Many times in the past four months I have pulled the Angel card that speaks about “service”. It continues to remind me to show up and serve others and everything else will work out.
I want to carve my own trail. Leave the markers that light the way for others. Be a guide during there toughest times and place that they can come to rest and heal. But what does that really look like? How do I create that trail?
Just like anything else in life it is one step at a time. One small micro movement which brings you closer to unearthing life’s biggest plan. Right now for me that next step is to find a space to host a retreat. It has been a dream that has lived and breathed in my heart for so long and it is time for me to stop playing small and start playing BIG!
And even there are no trail markers guiding my way I know that I can blaze my own path and create a trail that others can walk with me on. And so I begin.
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.
