Challenge: Give More Thanks

One of the biggest things that my mother instilled in me growing up, is that you should always say thank you when you are appreciative of someones actions.  And you should always tell people you love them.  Pretty much, if you care, don't let it linger in silence.  
As I have gotten older though I have seen the sad regression of people remembering to take a few minutes out of their lives to reflect on what (and who) they appreciate in their lives.  Wanting to remind people of this important aspect of life, I decided that my next "event" should be focused on that very task.  
I decided to set up 'shop' somewhere downtown with all of the essential tools that people need to write "thank you" and "love notes"....then to hope that the idea caught on.  

I found a nice grassy area in town, set up a table with cards on it, and started inviting/cheering passers by to come 'share some love'. "Come write a thank you card to someone...its FREE"....People's responses were incredible.  
I got a lot of "thank WHO?".  In which case I quickly rattled off a list of potential people that anyone on any given day could & should give thanks to...' your mom, teacher, son, co-worker, dad, roommate, boss, friend, girlfriend, mailman, ...".  Once I reminded people that they had many in their lives that they should thank, there were immediate smiles and excitement about the endeavor.  
Though mainly women seemed excited about the table of THANKS, it warmed my heart when a few children came by to write letters to their parents & teachers, and the handful of men were extremely exciting to watch as they wrote cards for people they cared about.  One kind woman even wrote a note to me (attached here).

I started with about 250 cards...and left with about 10.  I left feeling full of love, life, and happy that I reminded a few people that they have thanks to give.  So take a minute this week to reflect on who you need to be thankful for.  When is the last time you let them know in words?  When's the last time you left them a note or shot them a letter/email to tell them?  I challenge you to write at least one this week.

Want to really impressive- hold this event in your town - its easy!!!!
- Gather cards.  I was planning to do this by using old ones of my own, then head to dollar stores & clearance sections (of target/hallmark/ect..) to grab a fair amount of "thank you", "love you" and "blank" cards...
***I reached out to friends that work at printing companies and got some donated (thank you VISTAPRINT!).  So be creative.  If you know some artist friends, card designers, freelancers, workers at stores that sell cards see if they can donate or provide discounts to aid with costs.  For me the total ended up being $0. But I am sure you could collect a fair amount for $10.
- Grab Pens.  Thank you $2 at the dollar store.
- Get a Posterboard to advertise the cause.  Thank you $1 at the dollar store.
- Bring a Card Table.  I didn't own one, so a facebook post helped me to advertise for the cause and a friend let me borrow hers.  Cost $0.
Total cost: $3.  Outcome : Priceless.

Original post and project from October 2014 on my original blog lovesomemore.
Love writing love notes?  Check out the site: http://www.moreloveletters.com/

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