Today I am beginning a project called “39 letters in 39 days.” Not sure why the number 39, but I read an article about a year ago called “39 gifts in 39 days,” in which the author gave random, small, thoughtful gifts to 39 people over 39 days. She talked about how it changed her mental attitude and outlook on life to think about someone besides herself each day in a real and meaningful way.

I adore letter writing, so I decided to change this idea to 39 letters instead of gifts. Each morning, I will begin the day by telling someone I love - in writing - how much he/she means to me and why I’m so blessed he/she is in my life.  

It is very, very easy for me to get consumed by worries of all shapes and sizes — is my job going anywhere? will I ever make more money? how do i save for retirement? will i ever be able to retire? is NY where I’m supposed to live? where is this man of my dreams? do I have enough ambition? and of course … what am i doing with my life?

I don’t want to live a life consumed by my own anxiety and worry, and really, the point of this life - I believe - is to make your corner of the world better for those around you. God has given each of us a unique background, family, friends, skills, and talents, which all provide an opportunity to make the most of the time and place in which we live by giving what we can and have to others.

Writing these letters will be a way to remind myself that the world does not revolve around me and my so-called “worries,” but will serve as a reminder of how blessed I am to be surrounded by these people and to be thankful, always for the abundance of love they have added to my life.