February 20, 2012
With Valentine’s Day behind us, I’d like to expand the energy and talk about “Letters from the Heart.” These could be love letters, letters of appreciation, affection, encouragement, gratitude, friendship, and even sympathy…Now, we can discuss a connection mindset without the backdrop of a commercially motivated holiday.
“Letters from the Heart” are always love letters. “Love, (defined), is the essence of contentment and the foundation of serenity. It is (your) spirit reaching out to make connections. Love overcomes grief, harbors no ill will and heals all separations.” –K.Tyler and J. Drake
Yes, love makes connections, and that is something so easily accomplished by writing a letter. Penned words on paper show a commitment!
Love letters are enduring keepsakes. Personal histories are recorded and saved… courtships, family milestones, births, deaths, etc. Just think, John and Abigail Adams together wrote over 1200 letters, recording America’s history along with their personal correspondence.
Love letters can be written anytime, not just at a holiday. Please do not feel limited. These letters are “appropriate anytime the spirit moves you.”Actually, the more often you write a heartfelt letter, the easier the task becomes…Remember both parties benefit as one letter opens two hearts.
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Tips for Writing Letters from the Heart:
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Allow your personality to shine through in your writing. Use a conversational style. Include a photo, joke, poem, glitter…Have fun! Bring up a good memory of time shared together, or mention something you appreciate about your friend- his laughter, her smile. Hand write the message, (if possible) to keep it personal. Put some effort into choosing the right stationery, card, and stamp to make your letter stand out. Your note could be placed in the mail, or under a pillow, in a lunch box, on a mirror, under a windshield wiper…Make it fun!
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Show your feelings. Express love, concern, and empathy. Don’t be afraid to say how you feel. Words like “love”, “appreciate”, “admire”, “value”, “understand”- convey sincerity.
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Offer to help the other person achieve their goal or attain greater happiness. The offer of your time as “a friend in need” is a valuable gift that shows you to be a supportive and committed friend.
Allow your personality to shine through in your writing. Use a conversational style. Include a photo, joke, poem, glitter…Have fun! Bring up a good memory of time shared together, or mention something you appreciate about your friend- his laughter, her smile. Hand write the message, (if possible) to keep it personal. Put some effort into choosing the right stationery, card, and stamp to make your letter stand out. Your note could be placed in the mail, or under a pillow, in a lunch box, on a mirror, under a windshield wiper…Make it fun!
Show your feelings. Express love, concern, and empathy. Don’t be afraid to say how you feel. Words like “love”, “appreciate”, “admire”, “value”, “understand”- convey sincerity.
Offer to help the other person achieve their goal or attain greater happiness. The offer of your time as “a friend in need” is a valuable gift that shows you to be a supportive and committed friend.
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References:
Bly, Robert W. Webster’s New World- Letter Writing Handbook. Indianapolis, Indiana.Wiley Publishing, Inc.,2004.
Shepherd, Margaret.The Art of the Handwritten Note. New York, New York. Broadway Books, 2002.
Tyler, Kathy, & Drake, Joy. The Original Angel Cards Book. Milwaukee, WI. Narada Productions, Inc.,2006
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