Dear One,
In case you’ve forgotten, I’m sending this note to remind you that you are a shining, beloved soul.
Your gifts are many and your willingness to keep exploring and doing the work is inspiring.
I see you sometimes, so burdened by doubt and it breaks my heart. Who I see when I look at you is an extraordinary being who is all heart and commitment.
Unleashed. Fired up. And free.
This is who you are for yourself, and others.
love
I wrote this note to myself at a workshop I attended a few months ago, no idea when it would be sent.
It came on a day I was beating myself up for not sticking to my writing schedule; self-recrimination and guilt eating away at me until I saw my handwriting on the envelope.
I tore it open, and felt the tears immediately, moved by what I had written so many months before.
A little self-love at exactly the right moment.
Buddha said, “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
No one is immune.
Doing it as we speak — reading one of my favorite blogs. 🙂 Went to the pool for my usual workout that felt particularly great. Then to the periodontist this morning — okay, not fun except I really like the people there, plus I’m looking after my health. On the way back, it was POURING with rain, and I actually pulled off the road, read a great magazine they had given me at the periodontist’s, and waited until the rain let up. I never do that. I usually white knuckle it. And I’m about to go out the door to get a great haircut. All ordinary stuff, but it all adds up to a whole morning of self-love. Your letters to yourself that start out Dear One always move me to tears, Sandi.
Carol Hess I’m sometimes surprised at how these little love notes move me to tears too! And I realized last night that moments like this have a profound impact, and we need to make the time and space for them. They are as necessary as food and oxygen.
This is a movement. And an affirmation. I have a counter full of notecards to decorate and send to loved ones because I think the energy of receiving something tangible in the mail reminds us of the joy of surprise in a way that email or text does not. Love can be shared in many ways, and holding a physical reminder is quite a potent way of celebrating and cultivating infinite possibility. Love love love this. My heart smile is huge!
JoyChristin “Love can be shared in many ways” – yes, and so often it’s these little things that make such a difference. As I receive the messages requesting their own surprise in the mail, I am reminded once again how important it is to reach out. So excited to begin the mailings 🙂
I love this Sandi, and I agree with Joy – let’s start a movement. Real, paper and stamp, old-fashioned mail – a shot right to the heart sent and received just when needed.
And for me, my act of self-love today will be a hot cuppa matcha green tea….even when it’s sweltering outside, I still love my sacred tea time :).