Tuesday, February 3, 2009

My worries and an update

As I'm writing these letters and sending them out, I include a little note with each letter that lets the recipient know about this project and this blog. But, then, I get a little worried that my friends and/or family members are going to think that I'm only writing to them because of the project.

In fact, it's the other way around. I'm doing the project because of my commitment to keep in touch with my friends and family.

It seems that every late-December, early January, I vow to write more letters, send more cards in the coming year. And, I may get a letter or two sent off, and then everyday life gets in the way and my letter writing tapers off.

I think about these people all the time, wondering what ever happened to friends from elementary school or the old Girl Scout troop. I may even make an effort to track some of them down, using all sorts of Internet resources to try and figure out married names and current addresses. But, I usually fail to write the letters. I just never get around to it.

So, I thought that by setting a definite goal, making it trackable and making it public, I would be more motivated to stay on task. I worry that some of my "old" friends are going to think, "Carla hasn't contacted me in years, now she's just writing to me to meet her 365 goal." I worry about that, but I hope that somehow they'll know that it's not that way at all. I've been planning to write the letters for years, often working out the details of the never-sent letters in my mind as I drive to work.

From my perspective, it's working. I'm getting letters written and sent out, and the replies are starting to come in. I'm in touch with people I haven't heard from in years, except for an occasional Christmas card.

As far as the project itself is going, I'm on track. I'll send out the 34th letter today. And, I still have a long list of people I plan to write letters to!

Won't you join me in my project...write a letter today!

10 comments:

T.Allen said...

The human condition is far too complex for me to decode, so I use the general rules of other arenas to help out. I offer you this: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Some will attribute the correspondence to the project, others will be pleased to hear from you no matter the reason and there will be surprises (variables, if you will).You will undoubtedly touch the lives of people who have been slacking in their correspondence or spark an idea in the mind of someone who has wanted a better way to document their family history. In the end it will all be for the best! Congrats on staying the course.

Wendy said...

Keep going girl! I know you're gonna make a lot of people happy!

Chrisy said...

Well i don't think people will think like that...more likely they'll think...'what a great idea...maybe i should write more letters...'

daijoji said...

Hello Carla, thank you for re-visiting me and follow my blog either. Yes, google translator makes languages very funny :-) All the best for you :-)

UniqueNurseGranny said...

I admire you.Such a worthwhile endeavor should be contagious...

Tess Kincaid said...

I've often worried that the electronic age will make old fashioned pen and ink letter writing obsolete. Kudos to you for keeping this lovely tradition alive and well!

Rick Rosenshein said...

Hi Carla,
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope that you will return often. Thanks again and keep up the great work on your blog. Rick

Beth said...

This project is a wonderful idea. I love letter writing and have done it myself even though I still correspond through the internet for the "quick note". I love getting letters in the mail and my kids do too. My 4 year old sends "letters" now. Of course, his have more stickers than actual words, but the recipients love them.

Keep up the good work!

Stacy said...

I think I might have to start writing letters, postcards actually.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Carla! How awesome to hear from you! As an old friend lucky enough to receive a letter, it never occurred to me to think that I'm hearing from you just so you can meet your goal. I'm flattered to be included in your list of people with whom you want to keep in touch! Sadly, facebook is the extent of my ability to maintain contact with former schoolmates and I'm not even very good at that, either! Keep it up, I know you'll achieve your goal. Hugs, Lori

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