Back to Basics…Putting Pen to Paper

Since there are quite a few new followers and subscribers in the past few weeks, I thought I would take us back to the beginning of Notes For Neighbors and what led me to begin writing on Substack.

When I first began posting here, it was with the intent to encourage readers to pick up their own pens and write cards, letters, or notes to family, friends, or passersby on the street in an effort to spread some love, light, and kindness in an ever-increasingly dark world. Since that first post, I’ve expanded my subject matter to topics and issues that are important to me at the time of writing. But more about the beginnings of Notes For Neighbors…

In our age of electronic communications, sending handwritten messages in the mail has gone by the wayside. But one of the happiest moments of my weeks, is when I go to my mailbox and find a piece of mail addressed to me in a friend’s handwriting. Even before I open it, a smile crosses my face. I can barely wait to get to the table so that I can put down the bills and other undesirable mail and can see what sentiments wait for me inside the envelope.

Of course, emails and text messages serve a purpose, however, even they often go unread or unanswered for days because we are often inundated with them. But if you see a card in your mailbox with your handwritten name on it, is it not the first piece of mail you open?

So, dear neighbors, I invite you to take a few minutes today to think about someone in your life that you’ve been meaning to reach out to, someone who could use a little pick-me-up, and/or someone you love. Or if you live in a walkable city and are feeling a bit brave, I challenge you to do my favorite form of Notes For Neighbors. Get a pack or two of blank cards from the Dollar Store or Dollar General, then write some variation of this: “Dear Friend, I hope you never forget that you are beautiful, you matter, and you are loved.” Address the envelope to “Friend” and hand them out randomly as you walk down your city sidewalks. I promise it will be a lovely experience for you and a blessing for all of your recipients.

This is an especially awesome practice to engage in when you are feeling sad, mad, or bad…because writing Notes For Neighbors helps to improve the sender’s spirits as well. And let’s face it, our world can use every bit of kindness we can bring to it. So go ahead, you need not be an eloquent or prolific writer…just write from your heart with sincere intentions, the blessings will flow like the ink from your pen.

Thanks for being here…and welcome to all new readers, and thanks for staying to all of those who have been around for a while.

If you decide to send any cards or hand out any notes, I would love to hear about your experience, as well as the reactions from your recipients. Let’s scatter some kindness…who knows, it just might be contagious!

Happy writing, neighbors!

—Angie