Liking Little Love Letters …

Today is my birthday which means I have exactly three hundred and sixty-five days until I’m FORTY. If life is actually a hill and I’m on the last upward swing until I’m “over it”, I feel the need to tell my family I love them even more than I do now. So this year I’m trying something new for Valentine’s Day. Each day from now until February 14th I am tucking a little love letter near the pillow of my family members.

Yesterday was the first day I did it and I can already tell it is having the desired effect.  There were smiles on faces and feelings of validation. And there was knowing, because it was confirmed in writing, that they are each positively special to me for specific reasons.

Big C didn’t get his note until he went downstairs in the late evening. I just happened to follow him down to get a laundry basket. When I turned the corner, I saw him pick up the note, read it and smile.  Then he saw me and dropped right back into his cool teenager façade. But I saw the smile.

Even Owlie got a note and he’s been talking all day about his “letter”. How cute is that?

As I sat to write these notes yesterday I had a great feeling of peace sweep over me.  I felt great joy as I channeled all my energy into focusing on the positive and wonderful things that my family members do and are.

So much of my time is spent nagging, instructing, disciplining, etc. My mother language isn’t necessary a yell most of the time, but it’s certainly not roses and butterflies either. An entire day can pass by and when I plop my body down in bed at night I realize I didn’t say the kind of things I needed to in order to lift my family and help them understand my love for them. It can be disheartening. And I am determined to do better.

That’s why these little hearts are making me feel happy. As I express my love for my family, I’m made more aware of it and so are they.

If you’d like to write some little love notes to your family, I’ve included a copy of the pdf here.  Just download, print on white paper or cardstock and cut. {I rounded the corners on mine, because I’m anal like that.}