Bored? Write a LOVE LETTER!!!
We have been on lockdown or using social distancing for less than a week, and I have read at least 100 posts talking about boredom. As an adjective, bored is a feeling of weariness because one is unoccupied or lacks interest in one’s current activity. As a verb, to bore means to hollow out or make (a hole) in something. So when we are bored, we are saying something is missing, there is a hole that needs filling. That hole can be filled with all kinds of temporary things, but if not monitored, it can also turn into a deeper kind of funk. So take a closer look at your boredom and think about what you are really longing for. Always be kind to yourself. It’s a rare person that is truly motivated by negative reinforcement. I am surely NOT one of those people. I prefer to think about my gifts and how I can use them.
I have previously written about perspective being a tool for positive change. Even the most horrifying circumstances can have a light inside, a twist, a turn, an unexpected gem that provides insight, hope, beauty, acquisition of wisdom. Right now, we have the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) creating some massive changes in our lives. While we could look at this as the worse possible thing to happen in our lifetime, I think we have a significant opportunity to elevate our consciousness. We have a chance to go deeper into our own emotional healing.
One way to overcome boredom is to be outer focused. I’m not talking about a focus from the perspective of how you can find someone or something to entertain you, but how you can be a source of someone else’s joy. We are in some crazy times right now, but there are people out there who have been in isolation for years. They need a glint of hope or joy, and some may not have much time.
When most of us think of love letters, we think of romance, but I am not talking about that. I am talking about writing that letter from your heart. Don’t feel confident writing? How about a drawing? A collage? The art of the handwritten letter, hand-drawn card, and thoughtfully handmade note is so valuable! Saeideh Heshmati, assistant professor of positive psychology at Claremont Graduate University, recently researched what makes people “feel loved.” She found that “small gestures in everyday life,” like people supporting you without expecting anything back or showing compassion during tough times, were what participants most agreed upon as “loving.”
Stamps are now 55 cents. For less than a Starbucks latte, you could brighten up the day of 5 people. You may already have people in mind to write to. If not, here is a list of places you can start:
Letters of Love Write a letter(s) that will uplift an elderly stranger!
Letters to Strangers Did you know that 450 million people worldwide currently suffer from a mental illness? That number may be astounding, but you have the power to help. All you need is a piece of paper and something to write with to start, but don’t stop there. Join us in our youth mental health movement. Tell your story. Mental health matters, so let’s do something about it!
Operation Gratitude This organization sends Care Packages filled with entertainment, hygiene, and handmade items, non-perishable snacks, and personal letters of appreciation to U.S. Troops, First Responders, Veterans, Military Families, and Wounded Heroes & their CareGivers.
Letters Against Depression we Write Letters of Hope and Support to people all over the world, spreading the message that we are not alone, and we matter.
More Love Letters Every month, they update the website with new Letter Requests. These Letter Requests are hand-selected by members of their team. Check out the current requests, read the stories, pull out your stationery, and get scripting! All love letters are hand-delivered to the person you read about in the story!
The Letter Project A faith-based nonprofit. We write letters to girls around the world who are in need of extra love and support. The message is simple: we believe in you. We believe in the power of women supporting one another. We are rooting for you from all around the world.
Post Pals is the charity helping you to ‘Post a Smile on a Sick Child’s Face’ by the sending of cards, letters, emails, and little gifts to seriously ill children and their siblings in the U.K. It couldn’t be easier for anyone of any age to get involved, requires no commitment, and costs only a stamp and 5 minutes of your time.
I am sure there are hundreds of more options out there if you look. There may even be room for you to start your own organization. The bottom line is that there is so much for us to do in the world. There is so much meaningful work to engage in. If you’re looking to fill your void with something that has the potential to change your life, try writing a love letter.
