I have been writing out our Holiday cards and sending them in the mail and it sparked a thought about what cards mean to me. What does it mean to you to receive a card or note? Do you read it? Do you throw it away? Do you appreciate that someone took time out of their day to tell you how special you are? Do you ever give a card or note to someone you care about and take the extra time to write in it? Do you just send it because you feel like you must?
I don’t know how many hours and minutes I have spent in Hallmark stores or other stores in the card aisle with my mom looking for that perfect card that has the perfect words to fit the occasion. I watched how she smiled and cried while she looked inside the card and was able to experience the emotion of words. She always let me help when I was younger, but of course I went for the card with stars or sports on the front. I didn’t know then as much as I do now that there was a lesson involved in what she was trying to instill in her daughter. She sent cards to let her loved ones know she cared without it being a special occasion. I knew how much it meant to her to find that one card that would make a person feel genuinely loved. I hear a lot of people state “cards are a waste of money,” but I am just not convinced quite yet that cards or notes are a thing of the past.
I have followed in her footsteps in wanting to find that perfect card with the perfect words as I just want to be a light in someone’s day. The Hallmark ladies know me by name and maybe there is a part of me that feels like I belong there because those cards have the words I want to tell so many when I am unable to talk. I think sometimes for me when I am feeling out of sorts or have a lot going on by sending a meaningful card it makes feel somewhat alive. Jocey is definitely following in my footsteps as making cards seems to come natural and she is always looking for the message she wants to say to those she loves. I just know in the world where there is so much turmoil and hate, we as human beings can make someone’s day brighter by a few simple words. I remember receiving cards from special friends and family when I was going through Cancer or other tough situations and it lifted my spirits and made me feel loved. Are you worried what you write in the card isn’t correct? I do not think by trying to covey a genuine message that you can mess up if you have your heart in the right place. Why wouldn’t we try this simple gesture?
I challenge you to write a note or in a card and send it to someone who needs a bright light to lead them out of a dark path or to recognize someone for everything they do for our world. Maybe you make a bunch of cards like Jocey and her class did to give to the homeless shelters so those individuals with little hope have some words to make their day better on their Birthday. What if you sent a card to your favorite first grade teacher and let them know what an impact they had on your life? Maybe you recognize a co-worker who goes above and beyond not just at work but in their own life? Do we lift each other up enough where people are so easily torn down?
“Be courageous and try to write in a way that scares you a little.” ~Holly Gerth
I hope you enjoy my music selection as I have been listening a lot lately while searching.
So Far Away – Staind (Click Here)
This is my life
It’s not what it was before
All these feelings I’ve shared
And these are my dreams
In The End – Linkin Park (Click Here)
I kept everything inside and even though I tried, it all fell apart
What it meant to me will eventually be a memory of a time when I tried so hard
Save Me – Shinedown (Click Here)
Through the Ghost – Shinedown (Click Here)
Until Next Time………………
Traveling With Jo 