A Little More Thoughtful.

I shared earlier this year that one of my goals in 2011 is to be more thoughtful. That can be one of those vague resolutions like 'eat less chocolate' - is that one less piece per day or one less piece per year? You know what I mean? It's easy to let yourself off the hook. I don't want that to be the case for me. I want to be purposeful in my relationships this year and truly spend more time letting those I love know.

A new addition to my desk at home and to my organizational life has been an outgoing mail organizer. Not only does this remind me to send out birthday cards on the right days and bills before the their due, but it's a good way to track how I'm doing with my thoughtful gestures (read: notes).

I took this picture when I first bought the organizer but it's not halfway full of my outgoing cards which will be sent one a day (unless they go out with a bill or something). But don't think I've made this just another chore on my long 'to do' lists (although sometimes I do put them on there so I can check them off). I really try to write to the people who are on my heart and mind, and send them something that will encourage them. Mostly, I just send cards because I'm far better at putting my thoughts into written word then verbalizing them and I truly hate talking on the phone.

From time to time I've been known to send something a bit more exciting - like a recent 'mixed CD' (circa '95, I know) to a girlfriend in Indiana. She'd had a tough couple of weeks of chaos and I thought, this will make her laugh (out loud). Things that require I go to the post office have to be a little less frequent A. because my budget for stamps has already tripled this year and B. because honestly I don't want to spend every lunch break trying to get something mailed. But from time to time a package is just more fun to receive.

One neat thing about sending cards this year (I've already sent over 30) is getting them in return. That's not why I started but it's been a nice bonus. And I will admit I'm more consistent in writing the people who write back. That's natural, right?

What are some ways you show people you've been thinking about them? I'm always looking for new ideas.

Love,
B