A Meaningful Way to Connect with Someone
Life lately has been unusually busy for me – between my day job + launching a book + Halloween costume making, I have been non-stop. I have recognized the need for me to slow down, so on Saturday, I sat down to write a few cards.
Card writing has always been therapeutic for me. The act of putting pen to card, thinking of the recipient and how my words might connect with her, is life-giving. In today’s fast-paced world, we are quick to send text messages and leave Facebook comments, but have neglected the art of card writing. I think this needs to change. A hand-written card is such gift for the writer and the recipient.
For this sponsored post, Hallmark sent me a few cards and invited me to put my feelings into words.
One of the people I wrote a card to was my colleague Michelle. I wish you could know her. Michelle is like the office angel, constantly looking to spread love and cheer in small ways throughout the year. If I could emulate any person at my work, it would be Michelle.
For instance, she is typically the first to arrive to the office each day. For each holiday she will put a small treat on everyone’s desk or outside their door. When another colleague went through a hard time after losing her spouse, she sent her cards every day for weeks. She is a rare kind of person and every person she knows is better because of her. When I look back on my career, Michelle will be someone I remember because she has taught me so much about intentionality in the office.
I picked up a stack of Hallmark cards and the first one I wrote was to Michelle. I wanted to Michelle to know that she matters in a tangible way. While I have verbally thanked her for her kindness many time, I don’t think I have ever put my words down on paper.My Hallmark card’s message “Just a card to say you’re amazing” made me immediately think of Michelle and I couldn’t wait to give it to her.
In the card I wrote:
“You make our office a special place. Thank you for all the ways you love on each of us. From genuinely listening to always have a bit of chocolate nearby, you are so dear. I’m grateful for your friendship.”
I set the card on her keyboard before heading into a staff meeting. A bit after the staff meeting I popped in Michelle’s office and she said, “I was just emailing you. Thank you so much for the card.”
I smiles and said how happy I was to write it and that I wanted her to know she was valued.
With her eyes sparkly with tears, she quietly said to me, “Thank you. Today was a really good day to get this. I needed it.”
Michelle is to the left of me in this photo.
Writing that card was not a big deal. It took just a few minutes. But that one small act made a big difference – to Michelle and to me. It was a reminder that acts of kindness don’t have to be lavish to be meaningful.
We never know someone’s full story, but a card is an easy way to make someone’s day better. It is my hope that this story about Michelle encourages you to get a card, put your feelings into words, and send it to someone in your life to bring a little joy. Writing a card is an impactful act to love with intention.
Visit Hallmark to be inspired by more people’s card writing and giving stories.
