I know that you are wondering what the final journaling block in each notebook is for (click here for more info on the ENT notebooks). I love personalizing things. From the time that I was a teacher, I have always believed that there is power in a name. Everyone loves something more when their name or initial is on it. Why do you think we have a collection of the letter “H” in our entryway? Or various “K”s in my office? I love monograms and from my experience, so does everyone else. People have an affection for things that are theirs – including their name or initial. Adding a name or initial is the easiest way to personalize something and take a “mass produced” project into the realm of individualized.
We are using this principle for our notebooks but taking it a step further. Here is what we are doing. The other leaders of our neighborhood Relief Society are helping me to write a personal note to each woman in our group. We have divided up the list and will have the notes to hand out at our first activity where the women are putting together their notebooks. I love this part of the project – it takes time to write personal notes but I can’t think of a more meaningful way to let each individual know of their personal worth. It’s empowering to read something positive about yourself and to know that someone values who you are. Then, to have that message in a permanent home inside your notebook so that it can be read and reread? I can’t think of any better gift we could give each other.
One of my favorite books is Alexandra Stoddard’s, Gift of a Letter. I read it for the first time years ago and it’s 123 pages have tremendously influenced my views on the power of a handwritten note or letter. In this day of emailing and texting, facebook and myspace, handwritten notes are hard to come by. That’s what makes them such a treasure.
Writing and mailing a generous letter is so life-enhancing, so rewarding to the writer and the person receiving it. Is it better to give than receive? I like both. I want it all. – Alexandra Stoddard
I like both, too. Therefore, each woman in our group will get a handwritten, personalized note that is meant just for them. The “generous letter” she mentions in the quote certainly can mean the length of the correspondence. But to me, I think she was talking about being generous with yourself and your thoughts and your true feelings. I think she meant generosity in praise and compliments and kindness to the receiver.
It goes back to the download I offered from November (click here). “Never suppress a generous thought.” – Camilla Kimball.
Here’s to generous letters – taking the time to thank and strengthen and encourage, one by one.
What a neat thing to do. I really like that idea. I think I will use it with our Women’s Ministry at church. Thanks
My husband and I have been involved in ministering to couples prior to their marriage. This involved a lkive-in weekend away. One of the most powerful moments of the weekend was late on the Sunday when they each received a handwritten letter, from someone who knew them (if possible) or from previous participants on the programme. The letter would express their hopes for this new coupke and the information that they had been praying for them all weekend. Very powerful!
Thank you for the reminder of how meaningful a hand-written note/letter can be. I used to love to write letters, but am really out of the habit. I toss e-mails daily, but always save hand-written letters. It’s time I got out my pen and paper!
Also, thanks for the link to the “Generous Thought” wordart. I’m a font freak and would love to know the font you used for this. It’s gorgeous!
I have the same book as well as most of Alexandra Stoddard’s other books and she has been and still has a big influence on my life. I read Gift of a Letter 15 years ago and reread it every now and then. This year I have set myself to writing more handwritten notes.
Thank you very much for all your posts about Every needful thing. i will set up a notebook for myself as well and “join” you this year.