Day 49: Classmates + Alone Time

Today I learned...
...that some of my classmates think what I do in my "free" time is amazing. I am so flattered by that, but also so encouraged to keep doing the things I do. I love doing all the things I do and hope my classmates know that they inspire me too. :-)

Today I am thankful for...
...some time alone without distractions. Since it's Presidents' Day, I had class tonight, but no work today. So I spent the afternoon at Wegmans in the upstairs cafe...and though I people-watched, bogged briefly, and of course left my Monday letter for a stranger, I also worked on a paper I desperately need to finish. When it's just me and my laptop, I feel more productive.

Day 45: Valentines + Sisterhood

Today I learned...
...that leaving valentines for strangers is loving, special, and meaningful. There's a first time for everything!

Today I am thankful for...
...a powerful movement called One Billion Rising. I intermittently bawled and got chills while watching live streams and videos of women all over the world dancing to demand an end to violence against women. I made my own video of dancing in solidarity with the movement since I could not be part of an organized event.

Day 37: Group Projects + Love Notes

Today I learned...
...that a group project doesn't have to be a chore. Normally when the term "group project" is uttered in a school setting - whether that setting be high school, undergrad university, or graduate school - it strikes fear and trepidation in the hearts of most. Maybe it's just the fact that we're social workers and care about each other a lot, but I'm working on a group project right now and it's smooth sailing. There haven't been many times I've been able to say that about group work. Tonight, armed with a laptop, we easily and efficiently planned and planted all our PowerPoint slides into one presentation in less than an hour. There is no worry about one person doing more work than another. There is no fear that a deadline won't be met. Yay! Go team!

Today I am thankful for...
...the note from Rick that was waiting for me when I arrived home after a long day and night. It made me smile, as his notes usually do.

Day 36: Surprise Sincerity + a Nomination

Today I learned...
...that a lot of people really look forward to the letters I leave for strangers that I post about on Mondays. Multiple people have stopped me throughout my day on a Monday to ask me excitedly where I left my letter. Multiple people have told me that my Letters on Monday is one good thing about Mondays now! Multiple people have thanked me for doing it, because it inspires them or makes them feel good. And multiple people have told me that they pretend the letters I leave for strangers (and then post) are for them.

All of this makes me so happy. And yet, I am surprised every time I learn about another person who is waiting for the announcement of the next letter. It's such a learning experience. I am surprised by the sincerity and straightforwardness with which people approach me about this. I am taken aback when they express excitement or eagerness and ARE NOT AFRAID TO SAY SO OUT LOUD. I love that. And yes, I will always tell you where I left my Monday letter - though you may have to wait until it appears on Facebook or my personal blog. And yes, it IS one good thing about Mondays now! That's part of the point. I like to put a positive spin on things that aren't always seen so positively. And yes, I love to inspire and make you feel good. You can do what I'm doing. I'm not special. :-) And yes, the letters are as much for YOU as they are for the people who find them. That's the reason why I post photos of the actual letters I leave instead of just saying that I left another letter. If you read it and it speaks to you, take it to heart. It's for you.

Today I am thankful for...
...the nomination for the Love Warrior 2013 award. The EDRS (Eating Disorder Recovery Support, Inc.) nominated 5 women and I am honored to be among them, because quite frankly, they all rock! The winner will be announced at their annual conference on Feb 7th in California. I was invited to the event, but unfortunately due to cost of travel and crazy schedule, had to decline. Regardless of outcome, I am so appreciative for the recognition and the thanks. I feel so blessed these last few weeks!

Day 34: Effort Appreciated + Sledding

Today I learned...
...that my small effort of leaving an anonymous letter for a stranger was very appreciated! One of the letters I left at Wegmans was found and the person sent a picture and a thank you to www.moreloveletters.com. They then posted it on the www.moreloveletters.com Facebook page. I stumbled upon it because I follow the www.moreloveletters.com FB page...and man, was I surprised! I teared up immediately reading how the finder appreciated my words. Beautiful..

Today I am thankful for...
...FINALLY going sledding (however briefly) for the FIRST time in my 28 years of life. There is very steep slope behind my house and Rick and I took turns sledding down it in the snow. It was fast! I couldn't stop laughing.

Day 20: Libraries + Cards

Today I learned...
...that I get far more accomplished at the library than I do in my own home. It's been a theory before, but I think by now it's been tested enough that I believe it to be fact.

Today I am thankful for...
...the money to buy special cards for all the unknowing strangers who will be recipients of my "Letters on Monday." Cards aren't cheap and I'm grateful.

Day 7: Letters + Education

Today I learned...
...that writing a handwritten letter to a stranger, in the interest of being kind, loving, helpful, and empowering, and leaving it for him/her to find, feels totally AWESOME. Yes, I did it. I wrote a letter and I sealed it up and I addressed it to: "If you found this, this is for you. (Yes! You!)" I left it at an empty table at Panera Bread. I was inspired by www.moreloveletters.com


Today I am thankful for...
...my first day of my LAST semester of graduate school...because it means a) I got to see my wonderful, caring classmates and b) there are only 16 weeks left between me and my LMSW!!!