In The Next 30 Days

A 30-Day Challenge Closer to Brighter, Shinier, & Happier.

April 30th, 2013

Love Letters Day 30 | Lessons Learned

This is my stationery box. It’s filled with cards for birthdays, house warmings, new babies, anniversaries, thank yous, just becauses, and any other occasion that calls for a card. It’s been open pretty much all month long, and I’ve searched through to find the perfect cards to give to random anyones who pick up my love letters I set free. It’s been a great reintroduction to some cards that I’d forgotten I had (like those Wonder Woman postcards. Awesome.)

Here are some other things I’ve come to learn this month.

There’s no wrong place to leave a love letter. You might think that love letters have to be placed in romantic locations, but really they can go anywhere. And even more, sometimes, the less loved places are the very best spots to drop letters. Check out my Instagram feed for lots of places that I’ve left letters this month, and follow me to keep up with where I might leave future letters.
You can get personal in a love letter to a stranger. While what I wrote might not have been the most secret-revealing something, my words are personal because of who they reach and because of the love they hold.
I need love letters too. And I know now they might not be written with pen and paper. Showing myself love is as important as showing love to my family and strangers.
The more customized the letter the better. Sharpies, crayons, collage, embroidery. Anything goes. These are unique, hand-written letters. The paper they are on should be just as cared for and thought out.
Always carry love letter supplies. You never know when you might want or need to write a love letter. Inspiration strikes most anywhere. I have started carrying stationery and mustache Duck Tape in my purse. You know, just in case.

I will be reaching into my stationery box to write more love letters to strangers. I find I’m kind of addicted to sharing such positive vibes. And like my 30 Days of Random Kindness or my 30 Days to Be Positive, I find that I want maintain the elation and happy vibes. It feels good to do something for someone I don’t know. I’m not out for recognition, but I’m after the happiness these letters bring me. So yes, there will be more letters, and when there are, I’ll share them with you.

Tags: lessons, letters, MoreLoveLetters, what i've learned
Posted in 30 Days | Love Letters | No Comments »

March 29th, 2013

Get to Know Me Day 29 | What I Learned

I’m posting my lessons learned a little early for these 30 Days. The end of this month is also Easter, and the Easter Bunny is coming to my house and I’ll be a little busy. (I’m that kind of mom.) It’s been a different kind of month for me. While every month teaches me something about myself, this month has taught me about how to think about myself and how to think a little deeper and differently.

Here’s what I learned:

I have never written about myself publicly quite so much as I have in these 30 Days. I’m not sharing anything earth shattering, but I am telling you things that I don’t typically write about. It’s a change, and quite honestly I’m kind of sick of myself. I’m ready to move outward.
I’m not alone. I have gotten some really great responses to my posts this month. And when it comes to things like my introversion or the mother I try to be, many of you feel the same way. There’s great comfort in that, and hearing your response in the comments, on social media, or face-to-face is amazingly comforting. Thanks guys!
Sharing is a two-way street. Maybe this isn’t so earth shattering, but it’s always nice to be reminded that when you share something about yourself, others feel comfortable to share something about themselves. So, here are my favorite books and music, and please feel free to share your favorites.

Next month I’m back on the personal challenge band wagon, but for this month, it’s been fun to look inside myself and find some clarity. And these lessons are ones I’ll carry with me for always.

Tags: recap, what i've learned
Posted in 30 Days | Getting to Know Me | 1 Comment »

February 28th, 2013

Find Creativity Day 28 | What I Learned

I sit here wishing February had 31 days.

I’ve enjoyed searching for my creativity, mostly because I’ve found some of it, and that feels good. But I wish had more days to continue my quest. I’ve learned some important things this month. See:

You can find creativity. I really believe that everyone is creative. And because you are creative, it’s just a matter of finding out how to encourage that aspect of your personality, of your life. It could be something as simple as a strong cup of coffee or as elaborately planned as a trip to Paris. Whatever it is, find your methods and then live them. Your creativity will follow.
Rules are good things. Whether it’s establishing a routine for your creativity or setting guidelines to get your work started, rules help to support your creativity and encourage it.
It’s not all about art. My brain is swimming these days, but it’s swimming with some unconventional creative ideas. For example, I want to mod podge the cover of my cell phone with aluminum foil. I’ve written some and drawn some this month, but even more than what might be considered fine art, I’m seeing creativity pop up in more day-to-day happenings. And that’s a wonderful thing.

I didn’t meet all of my creativity goals this month. I certainly didn’t finish a story, and I didn’t share anything with you guys. But I am still working on it. And I think that’s one of the most important aspects of creativity. It doesn’t just stop. You can’t use it up. So I’m going to keep working on my goals, and I will keep sharing with you all. Promise.