Send a Little Love

I forgot to mention it, but I sent out my first postcard last week, and second letter today to my soldier from adoptaussoldier.org. Life has been pretty hectic this pass week, but fortunately, it seems to be slowing down now that I’ve graduated and got a new job! New job = incoming money so that I can continue with this project. However, I do need to be more strict about the budget. I consider this pass month to be sort of a way to start the project off with a bang, but I do plan to bring it down a notch, unfortunately…

but knowing me, I always like to over-do everything, so we’ll see how those plans go..

I’m banning myself from buying store bought cards and stationary. One, I already have boxes and boxes of supplies - from paper, to sticker letters, to cardboard letters, to colored pencils, markers, stickers, stationary, everything you could think of. Two, I’m supposed to be on a tight budget. Three, I want to be more creative, less lazy, and put more effort into the things I send.

Box #3: Sent this box of hygiene products and female essentials (I like to call it the “boring box”) over to a navy unit in Afghanistan. Contains razors, shaving cream, lotion, body wash, hand cream, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine products, lip gloss, and baby wipes.  Connected through anysoldier.com

Also sent over my first non-military related card. Nervous about it. Much easier to write to people in the military. Connected through sendsomething.net. Worst that can happen is that they don’t write back, and I don’t mind if that’s the case. 

My friend, Claudia’s, class made these handmade cards for the troops! Can’t wait to send them over; I hope they love them as much as I do. :)

The Project: This started out as a care package I was making for a soldier in Afghanistan who wanted to send some items to some units who live in the remoter areas. Then I made a commitment to send letters/package to another unit (Navy, this time) through anysoldier.com. Then I adopted a soldier through adoptasoldier.org. Then one of my friends, who volunteered to write some cards and letters for the troops, sent me a message and in it she wrote “I know how a simple card can make someone’s day”. Finally, the last link in this chain of events happened when I went through the Adopt a Soldier message board and someone mentioned that they love getting handwritten letters, but don’t get them anymore - not even on their birthday. That’s when I realized that this is beyond supporting just the troops (even though they have a special place in my heart, and therefore are a main focus), this is about supporting people. It’s about reminding people that they’re thought about, cared about, and that they’re not alone.

This might even be about you. If you want me to send something your way, just click on the “?” link at the top of this page and give me your address as well as anything you may want to tell me about yourself (if you prefer not to tell me anything but your address, that’s fine too), or email me at projectsendlove@gmail.com and make the subject “snail mail”. Just in case a miracle happens and I get hundreds of requests, I won’t make any guarantees but I promise that to the best of my physical and financial abilities, I’ll try to send something. :)

I sent out my first letter/mini package to my “adopted” soldier yesterday!! I put in a letter, an “about me” survey that I filled out, a blank survey for him to fill out, paper, my graduation picture (because it’s better than some awkward vacation photo from months back or me holding a camera up to myself), a picture I took of a sunset, notecards, and an envelope with my address on it just in case he decides to write back. I also put in a magazine called Guitar Player, because on his little about me section, he put that he loves the guitar. Hopefully he enjoys guitar magazines.

I realized part of the reason why I’m doing this (people keep asking me). About a week ago I saw this youtube video, and went through Todrick Hall’s channel and saw that this guy  pretty much goes around producing flash mobs at random places such as Starbucks, Walmart, Burger King, etc. I couldn’t help but admire him because he spends his life surprising people and making them smile, and he’s living out his passion. You can tell that he enjoys doing this; he always has a smile on his face. I just loved all of it so much, and thought about how he’s making the world a better place by doing this: doing something he loves and making people smile in the process. I want that.

Back in middle school and high school, I used to scrapbook/journal/make collages whenever I had free time. I loved it - still do! When my boyfriend started basic training, I made him a scrapbook of inspirational quotes and letters of encouragement, and we mailed back and fourth throughout his months of training. I enjoyed it. He loved the scrapbook and letters; I loved receiving his letters. It made a hard time not just bearable, but a time to be cherished; the letters made that part of our relationship memorable. Basically, I love making stuff on paper and I love sending mail… and maybe it can put a smile on peoples’ faces. Like I said in a prior post, I’m passionate about this partially because the troops have a special place in my heart, and partially because I truly, genuinely enjoy writing letters, and putting together packages.

So, that’s why I’m doing this. I’m also rejoining Sendsomething.net because it’s not just soldiers that would like some snail mail. Snail mail reminds people that they’re thought about, cared about, that they’re not alone, and it makes the world feel not so big and isolating.. and as the person on the sending end, it does the same for me. I recommend it. And if anyone wants a little something to head their way, just email me: projectsendlove@gmail.com and put the subject as “snail mail” or if I know you, put your name in.  Just in case a miracle happens and I get like 500 requests, I’m not going to make any guarantees but I promise I’ll try to send something to the best of my physical and financial abilities. :)

However, whenever I feel like I’m lacking a much needed trait - such as courage - I draw inspiration for that trait from other people who have it. Because if someone else can be courageous then so can I. The pass few weeks, I’ve been drawing my inspiration for courage from soldiers. If heading outside of the world of academia and into the “real world” is scary, than I can’t even imagine what it must be like to separate from loved ones, and head into a war zone, risking your life. A soldier’s courage never ceases to amaze me.

I guess that’s also what inspired me to start supporting the troops again by sending over letters and care packages. When it comes down to it, they help protect our country. They set out to accomplish the missions that most people would never volunteer for. I feel like this project is the least I can do while I’m living safely over here in the comfort of my home. Also,  I realized through Jason’s past deployment that too many of the guys and girls that deploy don’t really have anyone to support them through their deployment. Unfortunately some of the only ways they can get basic supplies such as hygiene products, laundry detergent, snacks, books, or even just a letter of encouragement is through civilians. What if a soldier doesn’t have anyone to send over those things? I really can’t stand the idea that such amazing people might feel alone and forgotten about, so that’s also why I decided to start this project back up. It’s something I’m passionate about and very grateful that I can do.

Anyway, that’s what is keeping me sane right now - this connection with courageous soldiers via letters and care packages. I guess the moral of the story is if you feel whatever negative emotion - whether it’s fear or sadness or anger or envy - there’s always a positive outlet, in which you can take that feeling and use it to do something constructive.  You can invest in your passion,  help those you care about,  make this world a better place to live in. You can create something better than a pity party or worry party; that’s a true celebration.

As scary as leaving the place that has become like a home to me is, and as scary as leaving behind the role of “student” is, my greatest fear is to live an unfulfilled life, but I realize that as long as I continue to do the things I care about - like supporting soldiers - I’ll be ok. 

Today was the last day of class - however, I still have 2 finals and a paper to do online, but it’s my last day on campus. Coincidentally, this morning the soldier I “adopted” (throughadoptaussoldier.org) emailed me back for the first time and it reminded me that, as much as I love school and will miss it, I have other things I want to accomplish in my life. I want to use the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to help others, and to become independent and build myself a life. 

And, as they say, all good things must come to an end. Sorry for all the cliches, but I guess during confusing/weird times that are full of change, those familiar and famous words help; they’re something to hold on to.