Just Write

Just Write

The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us regain our equilibrium. ~Norbet Platt


Writing a note the good old fashioned way, by pen and paper seems like it is a lost art these days. With texting, emailing, instant messaging, blogging and the like, the need for a pen and paper has become almost obsolete. I find myself teetering between wanting to send a quick note and get immediate response or taking the time to sit down and pull out some paper and pen and actually put a stamp on the envelope and send it in the mail......the process seems rather tedious now, doesn't it?

But when I start feeling lazy, I think of notes I have sent or received that have been most meaningful in my life- the ones I cherish- and those are more often than not, the notes someone has sat down and taken a few moments to write by hand.

For me, some of the most meaningful notes were from my mom. She would often write a little note and put on my pillow when I was needing some encouragement- she had a knack for knowing just when I needed a lift (and still does). Even though my mom will be the first to admit she has awful handwriting, I always found immediate comfort in her notes before I even read them, because I knew this half shorthand/half normal handwriting was an extension of her. I felt this same way when I would receive notes from my grandpa, who was fond of sending letters the "old fashioned" way too. For years we would send notes through the mail and I looked as forward to them when I was in college as I did when I was 8 years old. I enjoyed the predictability of the narrative- an update on what my grandparents were doing, then usually a brief account of something new they tried or interesting they learned, and finally a future oriented statement about "next time you visit we will do this....."-- and always a final statement like "remember to smile". I miss receiving these letters.

To that end, I am intrigued by a "revolution" that my friend Missy has embarked on. She has committed to sending 50 letters in 50 days to people that have impacted her in her life. Not only does she call out that they were impactful, but perhaps more importantly she calls out why and/or how they impacted or made a difference in her life. To learn more about her story go to: http://www.50letters.com/ I am so inspired by her efforts to spread positivity!

While I am on the topic of letter writing, I could not go on without mentioning my dear friend, Michelle. Michelle is another believer in the power of positivity. She has enbarked on a journey to enhance relationships through letter writing/story telling......so she has created a personalized children's book that weaves a letter that you or I would write into a story that she has created and this in turns creates a very special keepsake book for a special child in your life. My kids love to read and reread their stories that have a special letter written to them from me at the end of the story. Check it out: http://www.memoirofme.com/index.asp

Ok, so how does all this letter writing apply to our SM journey?

There have been many impactful people along our journey with Selective Mutism. In writing this, I am already starting a mental list of those people who I want to sit down and write a note to--to tell them how they impacted me, Hannah and/or our family by the words, their encouragement or sometimes by offering another perspective or approach.

The list goes something like this (if your name is on it, well expect a letter soon):


1. woman who first gave me a name for what Hannah was going through (Selective Mutism)

2. fitness instructor who said her niece has same thing and I should talk to her sister in law

3. mom of SM child in Hannah's school who has taught me so much and been such a great friend

4. my book club and countless girlfriends who has listened and offered encouragment through all of ups and downs, joys and concerns

5. Hannah's BFF, Alyssa, who has been her best friend since they were 18 months and who continues to inspire her to break free from her shell and is her lucky charm

6. my family who may not always understand what it is like, but always supports, encourages and loves us unconditionally


7. my friend from SMG org who has listened, offered advice, shared wisdom and understanding


8. countless adults- teachers, childcare, neighbors who are patient and caring


9. hubby for trusting that my research methods are reputable and standing by me through all our efforts to help Hannah


10. Hannah-- how could I not thank her for being patient with me as I learn and help her figure all this out

The list goes on and on and on........................too many to count.

My challenge to you is to take the time to start your list- who has impacted you on this SM journey? Who has supported you- pushed you when you needed pushing, motivating- who gave you valuable insight or tips and who has supported you unconditionally? Write these people. Write other important people in your life. Tell them they made a difference- tell them why or how they made a difference- JUST WRITE!