Nice Letters

A few days ago I received a very nice “letter” (aka email) from a reader, complimenting me in several ways. First I practiced receiving as I took in what was being shared. After pausing long enough to drink it in, and then replying, I filed that email in my “Nice Letters” folder.

I think all of us suffer at times from low self-esteem days. Days where you are feeling down on yourself, not feeling particularly competent, or not feeling “strong on the inside.”

I have found as I move through the decades I can ride these days out more gracefully, knowing that the emotions are temporary and not The Truth of who I am.

I have also found having mirrors in the form of Nice Letters from people who know me is very helpful. On the bad self-esteem days, I remind myself to open up the Nice Letters folder and read through a few, feeling my mood shift as I do.

This doesn’t necessarily mean I feel great afterward - though sometimes I do - but it takes the edge off.

I still a have paper file marked “Nice Letters” from the old days when we used to send letters to each other. I haven’t looked at it for a long time, but writing this reminds me that it is another good resource.

In this age of digital communication, you can save emails to a folder, and you can screenshot nice texts and tuck them into a “Nice Letters” album.

Open them up when you need a boost. It helps.

And, conversely, share your appreciation, love, and affection for those around you in the form of gratitude “letters.” Hold the mirror up to those you love. Text, email or even send old-fashioned snail mail notes.

Your loved ones will definitely smile, and you might just shift their day from rotten to wonderful.

Kirstin Lindquist