When was the last time you got an actual letter in the
mail? Not an email or a Facebook
message, but a real life letter? In the
past few weeks, I’ve received two and both have had a significant impact on my
emotions and mindset. Both were very
unexpected and both are now prominently displayed on my refrigerator so I have
constant reminders of these efforts made by two people, who made a much bigger
impact than I’m sure they realize.
The first came a couple of weeks ago, shortly after I decided to
take next year off of school, extending my leave of absence. I’d had a tough few days in a row with the
kids and was also having anxiety about not only the obvious financial
challenges but finding time for myself, which I have found I really do need. The letter came from a family friend, who had
spoken to my mom recently about my decision.
She took the time and energy to write to me and share that staying home
when her kids were young, while sacrifices were made, was a decision she’s
never regretted. She said, “It is a
choice that provides benefits far greater than the dollars you have
foregone.” I needed to hear that. Little did the author know that her small act
of affirmation was exactly what I needed at that moment.
The next letter came in the mail yesterday, in the form of a
card with a very surprising letter inside.
A quick back story…my mom, very randomly, received a phone call from my
5th grade teacher several weeks ago.
She called just to see how I was doing.
How unbelievable is that?! Well,
my mom passed on my address and my teacher apparently passed it on to the
sender of yesterday’s card. When I saw
the return address, I immediately knew it was from my Girl Scout leader/senior
year college professor. This woman, who
was very important to me at a young age, came back into my life at Miami, as
she was a professor of mine during my senior year, which also happened to be
her first year of teaching college. No
matter what you teach, your first year is incredibly difficult, and she did not
try to hide the fact that she was struggling.
I remember trying to make her feel comfortable when possible and
answering questions when she asked, but I know it was hard for her. But, I haven’t thought much of it these past
11 years. Until the letter
yesterday. She also took the time to
send me a thank you card for my (very small) actions all those years ago. She accredited my support to her perseverance
and shared that she went on to be a very successful professor. Tears definitely came to my eyes while
reading this, as I had no idea I had that kind of impact on someone and it
meant SO much that she took the time to reach out.
After receiving these, it’s become very clear to me that small
acts of effort and kindness can truly make a difference. I immediately wanted to “pay it forward”
with my own meaningful mail. I’m sending
a letter to that 5th grade teacher, thanking her for the impact she
had on my life. She was a kind and
loving constant at a time when my life was very confusing and difficult. She’s the reason I became a teacher; I even
used some of her lesson ideas in my classroom, over 20 years later. So if you are reading this, I challenge you
to take 5 minutes and send someone meaningful mail. It may feel random and even uncomfortable,
but you will no doubt make a difference in that person’s day and maybe even
their life.
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