Kindness Revolution Day 11: Letter to a Friend

Who hasn’t pined for more time? Fewer tasks on the proverbial to-do list? More energy at the end of a day for the people that matter? In our breakneck speed world, few of us can honestly say we have all the time and energy for the people we love and for enjoying our favorite hobbies.

Almost a decade ago I met a wonderful woman in an acupuncture course I was taking. We clicked immediately. You know that feeling when you meet someone for the first time and you just know that you and she (or he) will be good friends. Well, we’ve been friends ever since even though thousands of miles separate us. But over the last couple of years we’ve lost touch. The phone calls have dwindled to almost none. The cards and letters have stopped.

Part of me wonders whether she’s just moved on in life and that our friendship has run its course. Let’s face it: sometimes friendships, like relationships, are meant for a particular phase in life and then people go their separate ways. Perhaps she has new friends and doesn’t feel a connection to me anymore? I’m not sure but I decided today that regardless what happens afterward, I am going to make the time to sit down and write my friend a letter that tells her how much she’s meant to me over the years and that it is my hope that our friendship continues. And, then I’ll just let things be…whatever that means.

If you’re just joining us for the Kindness Revolution, I’m doing my part (well, at least trying) to spread kindness in the world by giving 29 gifts in 29 days, inspired by the book 29 Gifts. And, I’m asking you to join me. If you’re just tuning in, check out the first blog in this series.

And, don’t forget to add your comments to my blog over the next four weeks because, with the help of the kind people at Care2.com, I’ll be giving away free copies of my books! Winners will be selected from the comments!

Check out the other articles in the Kindness Revolution Series:

Join the Kindness Revolution: Give 29 Gifts in 29 Days

The Kindness Revolution Day 2: Book Giveaways!

Kindness Revolution Day 3: Mediterranean Feast

Kindness Revolution Day 4: Foot Massage

Kindness Revolution Day 5: I Failed Miserably Today

Kindness Revolution Day 6: Giving Clothes to Charity

Kindness Revolution Day 7: Advice from an African Medicine Woman

Kindness Revolution Day 8: Music for the Soul

Kindness Revolution Day 9: Donate to Your Local Library

Kindness Revolution Day 10: Letter from the Prime Minister

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Emma S.

3:45AM PDT on Oct 31, 2011

Thanks for this. It's a good reminder to get in touch with some friends I've not been in touch with.

send a green star

Mamie F.

2:22AM PDT on Mar 21, 2011

I think I've come to learn that everything comes to an end...I just hope my end comes much later than most!

9:36AM PDT on Oct 16, 2010

thanks

9:35AM PDT on Oct 16, 2010

Trish K.

10:44AM PDT on Sep 26, 2010

I just got a letter from a girlfriend I haven't seen or talked to since the mid 70's. Gosh it felt so very good just to know she is there.

Allison S.

5:41AM PDT on Jul 16, 2010

My son's birthday is next month but we live in different countries/continents and the mail takes a few weeks to arrive so I bought him a birthday card and I took the time to write him a letter which I enclosed in the card and mailed. It should arrive a few days early for the occasion, hope it's well received.

Beng Kiat L.

2:04AM PDT on Jul 13, 2010

Cynthia U.

4:38PM PDT on Jun 29, 2010

Letter writing is a lost art, and a wonderful gesture. I still get more excited receiving a handwritten letter as compared to an email!

Perfectskincare C.

3:46AM PDT on Jun 29, 2010

This is really sweet. I know how it feels remembering long lost friends and getting in touch with them completely unexpectedly. I received an unexpected call from my very old friend with whom I had no contact since 1996. She hunted for my number and got it through some resume uploaded online and called me up. And, I felt really really good. Keeping in touch with old friends is a very difficult task but gives lot of pleasure if we are able to do it. I make it a point to at least call my friends on their birthdays if not any other time. And, these days, facebook and orkut and such stuff have made keeping in contact with people even more easier.

Kathy T.

5:04PM PDT on Jun 22, 2010

It is a great idea to write a friend a letter. With email so popular in the last decade it is sometimes rare to receive a written letter. I started writing letters to a friend 2 years ago and I enjoy hearing back from my friend in the form of a postcard or a letter. This friend doesn't have a computer and so we talk on phone or send letters. I enjoy sending letters. It is sad that some people don't send letters in this era of electronic communications.