Love

Hello Stranger,

We may never know each other. 12 billion is a lot of potential hands for this letter to land in. But, the idea that mine might land in the exact hands that NEED to receive it, that life is not so random- but does actually, like they say, work in mysterious ways.

I've received a lot of advice so far. Some of it good, some just outright terrible, some of it, I just don't remember at all, for better or worse.

But, there is one piece of advice that has always lead me on magnificent adventures, has brought me back from dark place, and most certainly has never led me astray. And that is...

Love.

No elaborations or stipulations. Just love. Wholly, completely, and without judgement. And, do not limit this to just people. Love everything. Your job, your life, your world. All of it. Sure, we've all been burned, made cautious by experience, there are skeletons in everyone's closet. But, the universe has a great way of balancing out. So, continue to love, and love will surely find its way back to you.

Sincerely,

Another Stranger.

A Libra Stranger

To an unknown friend,

We sometimes forget to stop and look at the beautiful simplicity life has to offer. In a fast paced world we still have the nature of the earth and the nature of our humanity, if we choose to remember it.

Materialism has dulled: humanity, emotions, expressions, and actions. People are forced into robotic replicas of "supposed to" recitals. In our carnal existence, we are all equal: seeking, wondering, questioning, doubting, acquiring, pursuing, lacking, guiding. Is this what encompasses the human experience?

What world is this? What kingdom? What shores of what world? (Girl Interrupted, 1999).

What place is this, what region, what quarter of the world? Where am I? Under the rising of the sun or beneath the wheeling course of the frozen bear?" (The Mad Hercules), Act 5, line 1138).

Where do we find the extraordinary? Does it exist? Or do we live in it so often that each day we cannot see?

--A Libra Stranger

Nonromantic but Immensely Epic Hug

This made my day. Thank you, Stranger!

Here's a flashlight.

Hey, stranger.


I read a lot of letters from strangers that are hopeful, that offer advice, that have somewhere to go, or somewhere to be. This letter to you is not intended to be cynical in the least, it is simply intended to be. It is this way, I believe, because I am about to graduate college, and I'm a little -- okay, a lot -- unsure of what happens next. I keep telling myself I get to do whatever I want with my life, but I can't help feeling that's not the case. It's a possibility I may not get a job. I may be stuck with loans for a while. I amy not get the fellowship I applied for. There are so many things in life out of our control. The people we love don't always love us back... sometimes it seems like they just stop trying.

I have a saying. It's French, of course- it wouldn't be mine if it wasn't in French. You've probably heard it before. C'est la vie. Lately, though, I'm beginning to feel its not enough. How are we supposed to make it through-- how are we supposed to love-- being so unsure, so frail, and so hopeless? How are we supposed to make it through knowing that our best might not be good enough?

...
I didn't intend for this to be a sob story. No, it has a better ending. I recently lost a friend to suicide, and I think he felt the same way I did. I made a promise to myself though, to see what was at the end of the tunnel. It might be more tunnel... but it has to be better than death, doesn't it?

I fear I've lost myself just now. The way I intended to end this was to say: I am here. I just want you to know that. It's not advice. It's intended to be exactly what it sounds like... I need you to know. I'm here too. I'm afraid, and I'm clawing at the walls to make it to the end of the tunnel, and I don't know why or what's out there... but I'm here too, in another tunnel far away. You aren't alone.

Here's a flashlight. (Drawing of a flashlight.)

Talk to Strangers

Dearest Stranger,

Growing up I was told to never talk to you. Whether it was from the media, teachers, or my family. But you know what? I'm a rebel and I'm totally breaking the age-old rule of "Never talk to strangers." Why? Because, if you never meet anyone new, you'll be alone forever. Every friend was once a stranger.

Who knows, maybe the next stranger you meet will be the one who makes your dreams come true. Strangers can give you the answer you've been looking for; spark an idea and share aspirations.

If we forsake all strangers, then what do we live for? I'm tired of ignoring strangers. We pass eachother daily - sharing only an ocassional smile or a brief instant of eye contact. Why? Technology is changing; online, people talk to strangers daily but balk at the idea of meeting someone new in the real world.

We live in impersonal times; everything must be done quickly, socialization occuring only between old friends. It's time to change that though. My Stranger, I challenge you to go out and meet someone new. Help someone in need, and take a chance.

It may seem like a terrifying idea - risky, stupid... and well, it should! Live a little- take a chance. You never know who you might meet.

You've already taken the first step of many- as have I- by writing a letter. Will you continue to take these steps? Or will you remain as you are... not knowing which wonderful people could be living down the street from you?

The world is in your hands. The people you pass daily may well be the ones who can make the change you want to see.

Promise- not to me, but yourself- that you won't live a life of monotony, but that you'll take chances and have adventures; with friends, family, and those who you simply haven't had a chance to become friends with yet.

With Love,

your Stranger.