Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Just a letter regarding letters

Here is an update on my letter writing! It is a refreshing form of communication that truly makes me happy. Yes, it takes 10 times longer than a text or facebook message, and it takes a lot more of my energy; but in my heart, the letter does so much more. I haven't received any replies yet, and I am just a tiny bit behind on my letters, but it is still very fulfilling to know that someone is going to get my letter and hopefully smile! Have any of you been inspired to send a letter? Let me know if you have! I still have a while to go, but so far my letter movement is going pretty well, and I have even contemplated starting a letter movement with my upcoming class. Here is a picture of my progress. Hopefully you will receive a letter from someone soon!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Communication Crisis

Ok! It has been entirely too long since my last blog/challenge and oddly enough my body feels it. I began this blog to show myself that I can create something of my own and make decisions that will strengthen my Love for Life and those relationships made. Ever since school ended for me, I have spent my time doing minor travels, resting (probably too much), and spending money. Although that would normally sound like a dream, and I have truly enjoyed it, my body has had enough for now, and needs some time creating quality daily experiences that are a little less selfish.

For a while now, I have wanted to start this particular challenge because I felt as if it would be fulfilling for me and for others. One of the most important aspects of life is communication. Communication in family, communication with friends, communication in your job, and most importantly communication with your faith, are what yield you to be the person you are. Communication is important for a deeper connection to life, and without communication many things will fail.

Many people feel that they communicate effectively. Communication can include a simple text, email, gesture, conversation, or phone call. Unfortunately, I believe that true, heartfelt communication is slowly dwindling. Technology is a beautiful thing, but unfortunately it gives some of us an excuse to be less thoughtful in our experiences. As I taught this year, I realized how many of my students used forms of communication and I wondered how many of them had ever received a letter or card. Yes, they most likely could text circles around me, or call up their friends to help them with homework, but detailed communication is lacking in their generation. As technology progresses, do we truly communicate like we should? With a quality conversation that shows interest in our peers and/or loved ones?

For me, I cannot truly say that I communicate like I would want someone to communicate with me. At one time, receiving a letter from a friend or family member would have truly brightened my week, now they are rarely heard of. The love and excitement of a thank-you note, or invitation to a wedding is the closest form of communication that will bring me to that excited state. For my next challenge, I encourage myself to write a letter each day for at least 30 days. If anything, to encourage myself to create a conversation that is not rushed or important, but that is pointless and loving. A letter that may brighten someone's day, or give them the encouragement to bring back a loving pastime that is nearly forgotten. I am hoping that these letters will remind us that without communication, we have no life, and with love there is only clear, honest communication, that creates the person that we will become.