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Dear Friends, Something beautiful is happening! The Love Letters movement (www.LoveLetters.Love) is growing in the most extraordinary way, carried forward by enthusiastic souls who understand that gratitude shared becomes a gift twice given. I am deeply moved by each of you who are showing up, writing from your hearts, and expressing appreciation to the people who have touched your lives. I'm reaching out with an invitation: Will you share your story with our community? I'd love to hear about your experience writing letters of appreciation—who did you write to? What happened when you expressed your gratitude? How did it feel to put your love into words? If you have photos of your letter-writing moments or the reactions of those you've honored, even better! Your stories inspire others to pick up their pens, and together we're creating ripples of connection that reach further than we can imagine. Please send your stories and photos to me—let's celebrate this beautiful movement we're building together. And speaking of people who uplift our lives, I must tell you about someone extraordinary... There are people who enter our lives like sunlight streaming through a window—unexpected, warming everything they touch, and impossible to ignore. Joy Blanchard is one of those radiant souls. When Joy first appeared in my online Love Letters course (www.LoveLetters.Love), I didn't know her name would become a perfect description of her essence. She brought such contagious delight to our Zoom gatherings that every session felt like a celebration. Her presence reminded us all that creativity and connection are meant to be joyful. Then came the invitation to visit her "BlanchRanch," and I discovered that Joy's spirit isn't just something she brings to a screen—it's woven into everything she creates. Walking through her art barn and sacred chapel, I was surrounded by overflowing creativity, generous artistry, and a playfulness that made my heart dance. She shares her gifts with such open hands and an open heart. Now, Joy has become a champion of our global love letter movement, introducing me to spectacular creative friends and influencers with her characteristic enthusiasm and high spirits. She's helping launch something beautiful into the world, and she's doing it with pure joy. I encourage you to follow Joy on Instagram at @thejoyfulartist and explore her new website at www.joyfulartisthome.com. You'll find yourself smiling—I promise. In honor of Joy and the gift she is to all who know her, I want to share portions of Anne Sexton's poem "Welcome Morning," which captures what Joy teaches us every day: There is joy
in all:
in the hair I brush each morning,
in the Cannon towel, newly washed,
that I rub my body with each morning,
in the chapel of eggs I cook
each morning... And the poem closes with these perfect lines: So while I think of it,
let me paint a thank-you on my palm
for this God, this laughter of the morning,
lest it go unspoken. The Joy that isn't shared, I've heard,
dies young. ~ Anne Sexton, from The Awful Rowing Toward God Thank you, Joy, for your spectacular enthusiasm and support. Thank you for reminding us that joy, when shared generously, multiplies and transforms everything it touches. May we all find ways to paint thank-you prayers on our palms this month—and may we remember that the joy we share with others is the joy that truly lives. With love and gratitude,
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