Every morning, before I leave for the day, I look in the mirror on my bureau, checking my appearance.  I feel blessed at what I see in that mirror.  Not my reflection, but the several  items carefully arranged on my bureau.  There are a few rocks, two small trinket boxes, a note from Scott, and four cards.  The objects hold memories but the cards are what make me smile over and over again.

All are from friends, all came unexpectedly, all hold messages that touched my heart.  The messages they brought were ones of friendship, caring, thanks and encouragement.  They also brought smiles and tears. Every time I see them I am reminded that someone cared enough to pick out a card, write out a note, look up my address, buy a stamp and mail the darn thing. If someone goes to all that trouble, you better believe that you matter to them!

While these four cards sit on my bureau, there are other special notes that are tucked away where I can discover them again and again.  In my Bible, in my nightstand, tacked up on my bulletin board. They are written on post-it notes, on pricey Hallmark cards, notebook paper, fancy stationary, and even one from my cousin on an empty cereal box.  It’s these cards and letters that never fail to lift my spirits and remind me what a difference a few words can make.

Goal #4: Write 52 Cards and Letters. I wanted to pass along the sense of happiness that I feel each time I open the mailbox and find a personal letter hidden among the bills and catalogs. Standard thank yous for gifts, emails and holiday cards with generic signatures  don’t count.  These 52 communications have to have a personal note of gratitude about how that person impacted me, words of friendship or encouragement, or just be a newsy letter to someone I care about.

I’ve written 15 so far and I’m starting to get the hang of it.  I’ve figured out that it’s not enough to think about writing the letter, I have to actually write it. And once I’ve written the note, I actually need to mail it. Yup, MAIL IT!  Show of hands, how many of us have piles of unsent cards, waiting for the address or the stamp?  And seriously, is it bad taste to send a ‘Congratulations on Your Baby’ card when the child is 4 years old?

These are the tricks that helped me:

1. Be prepared: Buy stamps in advance. Put the stamps with your address book in an easily accessible spot.
2. Browse through the card rack at the grocery store or gift shop.  A certain card will remind you of a former co-worker and you will be sparked to write to them.
3. Carry pen and note cards with you.  Stuck waiting for an appointment? Write a note.
4. Don’t fret over not saying enough or saying too much or not using the right words.   Write from the heart and know it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be YOU.
5. Don’t have a card or fancy stationary? Don’t worry and don’t wait.  Any paper will do. It’s better to get the note down before the inspiration passes.
6. Address that envelope NOW.  Don’t wait until tomorrow.  Do it right away. (Aren’t you glad you put the stamps with the address book?) Put the card/letter with your keys so it goes out in mailbox the next morning.
7. Most importantly: put the address book & stamps back where you can find them again tomorrow.

Who in your life deserves a letter?  Who might need a smile?  Heard a song that reminds you of a childhood friend? Share that memory.  Did a former neighbor make the best chocolate chip cookies? Tell her. Read a cartoon that reminds you of your brother? Send it to him.  Believe me, just knowing you thought of them and decided they were worth that 49¢ stamp will make their day.