Have a Flower (:

Dear Anonymous writer,

All right, I'm not much for words of wisdom or pep talks, but you're writing this letter for a reason, right? Maybe you're searching for a friend, maybe you want an adventure. I don't know your story. thousands of people are out there - you just have to start the story at the beginning. Someone will listen. Someone always listens eventually. I want to thank you, Anonymous - (If you're a guy, I'll call you Carter, if you're a woman, I'll call you Lilly - Please don't take any offense, I like these names, they make me feel like I'm talking to a friend, Anonymous.) Enough about you for a second. I am searching. We all are. I'm searching for that one great adventure, that moment where I can truly say that I've accomplished something. I want to learn French, I want to marry my current boyfriend, but above all, I want to be happy - not rich, not famous, happy. I have suffered with bipolar disorder Anonymous. If you don't know about it, it's very common. But it's terrible. I've wanted pain and sorrow before, and I've wanted to do terrible things. Depression is terrifying. I just want you to know that there is always someone there for you, whether you believe it or not, Anonymous. You are a beautiful human being. Good luck with your life.

I hope you find what you're searching for, B.

Frame Bunny, Dino Fairy

Dear Stranger,

You're one in a million. One in Billions actually. That's probably hard for you sometimes, to step back and totally realize what a small part of the world you are.

It's okay. It's hard for me too. We get tangled in the moments and intricacies of our lives.

It's ok, stranger. Take a step back and breathe. Breathe and feel the breath of the 7 billion people that surround you. Fell the pulse of the world as it turns.

Then, feel your self and soul expand into the space you've at once created and discovered. Live int the big picture, if only for a moment, then dive back in stronger. And take on your own life with a greater understanding of the lives that go on around you.

Do this for me,

Because I love you stranger.

How do I escape?

Dear Stranger,

I hope you are well. I am not.

If I could escape to another world, where the urgency and the wailing red lights called "responsibilities" were just a bad dream... I would find a bed in a dark room and nest in the pillows and blankets until my heart could love itself again.

I would violently vomit up the self-loathing that's been poisoning my system for decades into a great big garbage can and feel utter relief.

I would wear my warmest pajamas and my fuzzy sock and sleep and sleep and sleep, in the comfort of knowing everything is going to be okay, assured that I have some fundamental worth.

But my life rages on, unexpectedly, frantically. My own mind threatens me for every hesitation, everything "mistake." It knows all my weak spots. There's no place to hide. It savagely tears me apart.

I don't want to play this sick game any longer. I don't want to live in constant panic.

How do I escape?

Again, I hope you are well. May you always live in an abundance of peace.

Keep Going

Stationary: "The hardest thing about writing," thought Pooh, "is finding the right words."

Hello Stranger,

Sometimes I feel like life gets to difficult to even go on. When I feel this way, I stop and realize I have two options. The first is to give up. Although this is the easiest option, giving up will leave exactly where you are, this sad, desolate, and defeated place. However, there is a second option and that is to keep going, to keeping pushing through even when you feel crushed by the weight of the world. Taking the second option takes more strength and courage then we think we have. It takes all of our energy, both physically and mentally to just keep trying. Eventually out efforts will repay us. We will be victorious. The battle it took to get there will only make the victory that much sweeter.

So whatever you are facing, whatever your demons are, keep going. It's worth it.

XOXO

a Stranger

One day, I will love you with all my heart.

My dearest stranger.

We haven't met yet but one day we will and everything will fall into place. One day, our two lost souls that have always been meant for each other will reunite and we will be one.

I image looking into your eyes, losing myself in the feeling of having you in my life. You might not believe me now but I know that magic is possible. Believe me, we will be magical!

There are days when I miss you badly and my whole body aces for your love.

Yet you give me strength. I am secure in knowing that one day, we will be very happy together. Believe me, we will be crazy about each other!

Don't wait for me - we will find each other when the time is right. Live your life to the fullest and enjoy all the adventures you find along the way. Embrace every day of your life just for being alive and remember that you are never alone.

One day, I will love you with all my heart.

A stranger.

Questions

My Dear Stranger

Do you believe we are all made of the same things? Do you believe every human experience is new, or has someone done exactly what you are doing/have done at some point in time? Are you a carbon copy of your family member, or are you unique, a new face and being to the cosmos? Are you a creature of habit, or do your days consist of spontaneous activity? Who are you stranger, what do you dream of? What are your goals? What do you fear? Who do you miss?

How is it that we all share a common creation, born of a mother, raised in the same air, seeing the same stars, singing under the same sun, dancing under the same moon, but we know nothing of the person down the street? We both live on the same planet, but we are two totally different beings, why is that? To you, is individuality important, or do you follow the flow?

I am a weirdly unique and wonderful person. No being vain, but I am who I am. I believe in destiny, but it is what we make it. make yours your own.

Your's truly,

a little stranger.

Alive List

Dear Stranger,

I am writing to you today to inform you of the fact that I am considered overweight for my age. I weigh 161 pound. My leg hair grows too fast. I use tinted moisturizer regularly because my skin is a horrible shade of pink which does not tan. If I don't brush my teeth twice a day, my breath will smell horrible. I bite my nails when I get nervous. I have pimples on my back. I have a scar which stretches across the lower right hand side of my stomach from having my appendix removed when I was four years old. I have never known what it is like to have a nice figure. My hair frizzes in the rain. My hands are tiny. My face is too round. My feet smell if I don't wear socks. I always spend my money on the wrong things. I have a birthmark on the back of my neck. I don't like the taste of lamb. I fall in love with someone new every day. I hate it when people step on snails for fun. I feel like my family would be happier without me here. My lips dry up too quickly. I write a lot and always have a little bit of ink on the finger beside my pinky. When bad things happen to me, I don't think about them and pretend like they never happened. I don't have many girly clothes. I act like I don't care what people think, but I really do. I don't have the confidence to leave my house without wearing makeup. I get really bad hay fever. I always forget to make my bed. I rarely bring a library book back on time. I don't like writing in blue ink. Pastel colours look silly on me. I have a ring that belonged to my Nana that I wear every single day.

I am alive and so are you.

This isn't a letter to address all of my flaws. It's proof that I'm alive. That I have something to be thankful for because I'm human and because I eat and sleep and excrete and convert oxygen into carbon dioxide and feed my dog and buy goods and laugh and cry and love and hate and read and fall over.

I am alive. And so are you.

Now it's your turn.- Make a list. Not of pros or cons or reasons why you love yourself or hate yourself or anybody else. Just pure, solid evidence that you are alive. Breathing. You can put it somewhere public, hide it, give it to a friend, keep it for yourself. Whatever you like. It's your list and your life. You'real. WORTHWHILE.

Love life and love yourself.
You deserve it.

~R.E.B.C.

A bit past September...

Hey there Stranger,

I hope you are having a lovely day and that this letter finds you well! I am having a wonderful day myself, especially because we are standing on the very beginning of fall! Do you love fall? I hope you do! I absolutely love it!

There's something magical about it, ya know? The air grows crisp and cool, the leaves change and fall, and of course I can't forget football. :) Do you like football? I'm a huge fan of it!

I hope you know how incredible you are! You are never alone. You are beautiful. You are valued. And you are so important.

Happy September, my friend!

Anonymous

Writing Prompt Wednesday #6

Tell us about a book or poem that changed your life.

A Murdered Friend

Dear Stranger,

Hi. How is your day going? I'm going to tell you about something that has been eating at me & hopefully you'll listen... or continue reading.

So last Monday my friend was murdered. He was walking home & BOOM. Someone shot him. It's a shame when anyone gets killed like this, but I believed this guy was going to change the world. You would too if you knew him. It's been 4 days since he died, & and I'm still wondering "Why?"

Why does God or whoever is up there decide to take people like that? Quite frankly, I'm not so sure there is anyone up there anymore. If there was, this wouldn't have happened.

If you have lost someone, then  you know how it feels. If you haven't then  you couldn't possibly understand the pain. Geeze, I sound like the begininning of a Lemony Snicket novel. I will try to explain what losing someone is like: it is like hearing every goodbye you've never been told. I hope that was an adequate explanation.

If there's one thing I can tell you that I've learned from him it was to be kind. Be gentle & rought at the same time. Be spontaneous with a dash of planning. Decide to save the world and work to do it. Never EVER settle for "Good enough." You deserve more than mediocrity. Put your best foot forward & even if you fail it doesn't matter. What matters is the feeling you get when you accomplished something truly amazing. No dream is ever out of your reach if you want it enough.

Most of all he taught me that one person really can make a difference & you really should appreciate everyone in your life. You never know what you have until it's gone alright. So that was more than one thing. Doesn't he sound amazing though? He was & you would have loved him. I don't even need to know you to tell you that.

Hopefully, I made a difference in your life even if it was just for today. I hope you have a great & full life! Also, please know that just by writing you, you have helped me with this healing process. Thank you so much.

With all the love in the entire world,

Anonymous

Baby Moose

Dearest Stranger,

I hope this letter finds you well... I want you to know that you are special, and hat you can do anything you set your mind to. It took me a great deal of trial and error to learn that for myself. For too long, I allowed family, significant others, and "friends" to pull me down with negativity.

But you know what? We only have one change to be here - one life to live. So live. Live your life the way you want. - the way that fills your heart with love, joy, and pride. Know that there is someone who believes in you, who believes in your dreams and aspirations.

I wish you happiness, love, and I wish for you peace of mind. You are unique... (((Hugs))) Smile!

Love,

Me

Writing Prompt Wednesday #5

Write a poem about the changing seasons.

Writing Prompts

A collection of Wednesday Writing Prompts to challenge and inspire you:

• Share a story about the life of the oldest person you know.

• Recall a time when a stranger helped you, improved your life, or brightened your day.

• If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say?

• Tell the tale of a turning point in your life.

• Write a poem about the changing seasons.

• Tell us about a book or poem that changed your life.
  
  
• Write a letter about a recent lesson life has taught you.

Your Humble Narrator

Dear Stranger,

Isn't this funny? Otherworldly, to an extent. In a culture and society where stranger's bodies constantly graze one another in accidental miscalculations of personal space, yet their minds are as far away as the deepest opposites of the corners of the universe. Or so it seems at times. Yet here you are. Accepting this letter. And here I am. Writing it. To a stranger I know I will get no reply from, nor know anything about. It creates a confidential freedom between us, won't you agree? It is precisely for this reason, for this candid environment that I write. It is this I lack. And desperately year for. A connect. Beyond judgement.

I don't have much to say, really. I use to. When I thought I was on the verge of some kind of pinnacle moment or idea. Not anymore. I'm not so familiar with life anymore. I hardly ever feel a sense of urgency. We choose for ourselves the rules we live by. Knowingly or unknowingly, whether we would like to admit this or not. I just don't know what to choose. So I live among the rest. Making a living. doing what interests me - if it's anything at all. I have many, but lately more of them seem to matter. I've been feeling this way about mostly everything, including our own lives. Compared to the span of endless time and space nothing we do now matters one bit. Yet it's a collective. So, somehow it must. Now this feels like a journal entry rather than a letter.

How do you choose what to do? And why do you do it? This is what my mind burns to know, from everyone. Fear constitutes so many people's lives. Fear of having no money - so they work a job they hate. Fear of rejection - so the stick to what's comfortable, wading around in the same muck for years. This is not the way it should be. This should not be a worthy life. Despite struggle over finding meaning, purpose in their lives. I say there is no purpose of existing other than to simply exist. So why not enjoy nature and all it's fruits and stop worrying? If we all did this, we wouldn't have to worry. But we live in interesting times. People need help. I know I do. But I want to help more than anything. I just don't know how. Or even who. Most simply don't want to help.

So I'm stuck here. Writing my frustrations to a stranger. Being pushed around in circles by my own whirlpool. Then I fall back in exhaustion and remind myself to keep it simple, and stick to the very moment I'm in, until opportunity arises. So what's the point of me writing this? There is no point, naturally. Just to keep energies in motion. Pass around some theories. Create to do what's natural and instinct - to connect to a stranger. Since we're living, we might as well live how we wish to. And do plenty of good. What else do you really have to do?

Your humble narrator,

Anonymous

P.S. - I'm terrified. The only thing I'm certain of is the uncertainty of this life. I truly believe in the words I write in this letter. But sometimes I wish I didn't. I wish there was an answer to it all. To stop the suffering. The doubting. The madness. Where one day I'll wake up and figure it all out. It's as if I feel the pain of the world. I wish there was a way to life this burden.

(This letter came with a sheet of stamps, which I  just ran out of the day before... Thank you humble narrator. Sometimes even small seeming things can be a huge help.)

Sharing Some Words

Normally I post writings by other people... So here is one of mine.

Writing Prompt Wednesday #4

Share a story about the life of the oldest person you know.

I dare you to smile.

Dear Perfect Stranger,

Today I dare you to smile. It doesn't matter why. Simply smile. It could be over something that's seemingly insignificant, like the sound of a soda can opening, or it could be over something a bit more meaningful like a loved one laughing. Whatever the reason, a smile will brighten your day... I promise. :)

If you can't seem to find something to smile over I will give you a very good reason.

YOU ARE ALIVE! :)

You are alive. You are here... for a reason. So smile about it!

So go forth and grin wider than the Cheshire Cat! :D

Have a wonderful day!

Sincerely,

Just Another Stranger

"The proper order of things is often a mystery to me. You, too?" -Cheshire Cat

I found this today.

I found this today after struggling with my own depression. Thank you Stranger. It meant a lot to me.

Surprise? Kitty cat.

Dear Stranger,

I hope this finds you well. I am well, at the port of a new adventure. When given the opportunity it seems, I will always choose the option of life experience, or, "furthest from the norm." I wonder sometimes if I will always be this wall, will the wind I follow ever settle, - and do I want it to? I like to imagine one day, delightful! I will be drawn to a place or two for a while... It will be different, and this is what I enjoy best- if you do a thing all the time though, it is no longer the unique and different thing it once was. How do you live? When you must decide: Do you stay or go? Heads or tails? Pass or plunge? There is no "right" answer. There might not be an answer at all. Someone once told me; If you only do what you've always done you're going to get what you already got.

Maybe.

All I know is you can always leave a new place and go back to an old one, but if you never leave you never go anywhere. This too, is something I can admire. It is different to me, and as you know Stranger, I like different things.

Life, as far as I can tell is terrible and beautiful, often at the same time. You've heard it before I am sure but really, some palaces smell funny, and warehouses are homier than anything you can cookie cut up. Enjoy yourself, I hope you do- not too sure what else there is otherwise. One day I'd like a yard and to keep bees, but until then I seem to find them where ever I go. Know what i mean? I hope you are getting where you are going, and that might not mean going anywhere in particular. Good luck and much love. Keep Listening, Strangely yours.

P.s. a couple band aids for the tough, hurt times, and stickers for the fun times. Have fun.

(This came with two band aids. One has Wolverine on it, and the other has Hello Kitty.)

Be a little weird, a little quirky.

Dear Stranger,

There are so many people in this world who wake up with a frown on their face, perhaps it's because they've forgotten how to smile, maybe one of those people are you.

"You will see the world for all that it is, and for all that it is not, what you should do, is choose to see the world the way you wish it to be, so that way every day will be a new adventure." - I wrote that myself. Wake up in the morning with a smile on your face, set your sights high, make your dreams come true. Do what makes you happy and do a good deed. Knowing that you've made someone else's day just by leaving a little note, or helping someone across the street, it only takes a little to mean a whole lot.

Most importantly, never forget who you are, don't try to be anybody but yourself. You are not alone. There are so many people who shift and change. They work so hard to be what everyone else wants them to be. INDIVIDUAL. That's what you are. None of use are the same. Be a little weird, a little quirky. Put yourself before others, "what's best for myself?"

I care about you stranger, whether you're homeless, rich, living in a mansion, or poor living on welfare. There are too many people in this world to worry about which path of life they've come from. Here is a goal for you: Make a new friend today and show them who you really are.

- From a Stranger who cares :)

Writing Prompt Wednesday #3

Recall a time when a stranger helped you, improved your life, or brightened your day.

Summers in Ukraine

Dear Stranger,

I have so many things to tell you! I cannot do justice to my feelings inside. This summer, I returned to the beautiful country of Ukraine. I was fortunate enough to travel there last summer and spend time with some of the most amazing kids in the world. When I go there, I spend time with orphans. Most of them are 12 and up. It is unbelievable to hear their stories. One girl ran away from home because her mother was trying to sell her organs. Others told me how their father's work takes him away from home and their mother began drinking heavily. They (twin boys) moved from Russia to Ukraine to live with their grandmother. When she died, they were sent to the orphanage. Almost all of these orphans have families who, a) didn't want them, b) couldn't afford them, c) were unfit to care for them.

Despite everything these kids have been through, THEY STILL SMILE! I go there to put on a summer camp environment for them because in the summer, they are at a state park with NOTHING to do. We have morning and evening programs, master classes, craft time, (in smaller groups), REC, and we spend time with them. It is the most rewarding thing I have EVER been a part of.

Last year, I met a guy named ______. He was about sixteen at the time, he has a brother at home, who lives with his family, and he loves to break dance. When I first saw him my stomach tangled into knots. On each arm, front and back, he had at least 10 GASHES. Self inflicted gashes. If this were to happen in the states, he would have gotten stitches for each cut and been seen to be evaluated. It turned out he was in my group (we spent time with our groups in the morning and evening. Groups are determined by the orphanages, so the kids are with the people they live/attend school with during the year.) We became friends, but were unable to keep in touch over this past year. When I returned to the camp this year, he really began to open up to me. He told me that he missed me and would miss me again when I left. He told me this past year was different for him. I asked why and then he said, "When things in my life were difficult, I thought of you and I felt better and I could deal with what I was going through." Wow. There is nothing special about me Stranger. I am an ordinary person and to know that I could be used in such a great was is beyond humbling, even though we have to speak through translators, it still comes across why a group of us go there every summer. It's because we want them to know that somewhere on this Earth, there are people who love them. You may go to Radooga.com if you would like more information about these camps.

Thank you for listening Stranger! I will leave you with this: You don't have to be extraordinary to make a difference, if you are willing to love someone, you can change their life and give them hope.

With love, Me

P.S. I believe.

(On back: Eventually everyone's heart will be full.)

Writing Prompt Wednesday

If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say?

Video Letters!

Who wants to watch me be really sweet and anxious?

This letter is by one of my favorite strangers, who has been contributing for years.

Bee Happy

Dear Stranger,

What do I have to say that could brighten your day, make you feel empowered or make you reflect on the wonders of your life? Perhaps I can't. If I could maybe I would have done that for myself.

Nobody knows what is in my heart or my head. I let nobody in. Are you the same? Would we feel better if we were honest and open to others? Maybe you already are. If not shall we try? Shall we challenge ourselves to let others know how we feel even though they might reject us?

A song that always gets me thinking is Very Kind by Will Young.

"You got wings but you can't fly, you got so much pain inside."

"In your dreams you're so high. But you don't live that in your life."

How can we make ourselves fly in our waking moments? How can we believe in ourselves and not care what others think about us as long as we love ourselves? How can we search out opportunities to show our strengths and prove to ourselves our worthfullness?

I know dear stranger that you are a good, kind, wonderful person. That you have such a positive effect on the world and the people around you. Rejoice in this and know that you can fly just by being yourself. The world would be a sadder place without you in it.

Love always to you dear stranger, from a stranger who believes in you.

Writing Prompt Wednesday

From now on, I'll be posting a new writing prompt every Wednesday. You're free to write about whatever you want in your letters of course, but this is just an activity to get the creative juices flowing.

Your first writing challenge:

Tell the story of a significant turning point in your life.

One of the greatest masterpieces ever to be made.

My Dearest Stranger,

If ever we are in passing, I hope to look at you with soft sensitive eyes. I hope to gaze into your soul with a smiling heart that is filled with love for you, even if it's only for a split second. Knowing that we may never spot each other again, I give myself to you for the time that we do share. My whole being is yours, all of my attention and thought on you. But do not be frightened, for I will not pass judgment on your so called flaws and I will not discriminate against you for the skeletons in  your closet. In this very instance, you can be yourself, and I will have witnessed one of the greatest masterpieces ever to be made. I will have seen you.

I want you to know that you are loved beyond words.

Dearest Stranger,

I am writing you this letter because I want you to know that you are loved beyond words. I want you to know that all these things that are causing you to be sad, worried or disappointed will not matter 10 years from now, so just hang in there.

Life is a win-win situation, even if it looks like we're losing. We'll actually win in the end. Our past mistakes will not define us and what we are going to be in the future, this is just a part of living. All the things and moments, whether they are good or bad, make us unique and special in a way. Do not ever compare your self to someone else because all of us are different, thus all of us are special.

My dearest stranger, I want you to read this letter every time you are feeling sad, lost, disappointed, upset or insecure. I want you to feel strong and defy all the odds that you are facing. I wish for you to live ~ experience life. I wish you all the best my love. Keep smiling.

Love lots,

Anonymous

With the sincerest of smiles,

Dearest Stranger,

Today did not start out well. I was upset when I went to bed last night and my anger followed me into the morning. That little voice that helps you make decisions was telling me that I was a bad person... ugly... unlovable... stupid...

I decided to stop for coffee on the way to work, and the most amazing thing happened: the woman at the window smiled at me. It was a brilliant, genuine smile. As a reflex, I smiled back... and I felt better. Not great... but better. The voice got quieter. My heart got lighter.

You never know how the tiniest of kind gestures can change someone's day.

This is me, sending a genuine smile to you.

I believe that you are a good person who is capable of good things. I believe that by being kind, you can make a difference in the world. I believe that if you do what you can with what you have, where you are, you will be a success.

Above all, I believe that you were born to be exactly who you re. Don't be afraid to let down your walls and be yourself. It's scary, but it's worth it.

Go read The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch. Go listen to Why Should the Fire Die? by Nickel Creek. Go watch Rear Window. Surround yourself with the beauty of the world.

- And remember that you are part of what makes this world beautiful.

With the sincerest of smiles,
Anonymous

An Impasta

Dear Stranger,

This is my sixth attempt. My wastebasket is starting to become full, and I fear the trees will soon start a mutiny. Anyways, have you looked at the stars lately? I imagine if everyone looked at the stars every night, many people would live differently. They are a constant reminder that I'm not the only one in the world. I feel as if I am part of something larger and it makes my own anger, resentment, and my petty problems so insignificant. Because I know that when I look up at the universe, billions of people see exactly the same thing I do. I guess that is one of the only constants throughout the entire world. Just that helps me to forgive, love, and put others first. I may not always succeed but I tried. My friend told me once that the only person I should try to be better than was the person I was the day before. That's why I love space so much. Nothing brings greater humility.

- To infinity and beyond.

Ps: What do you call a fake noodle?

An Impasta :)

Adventure Time

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Beloved Stranger

Beloved Stranger.

I just love that word. Beloved. It sounds so poetic. I've always been fascinated by the English language. My own language is poetic in its own way, but with the English language I can play with the words in another way. Like beloved. We have our own version of that word, but it's not the same. Not at all.

Most people don't take time to reflect on things. But my dear stranger, somehow I imagine you do. I imagine that you think a lot. I know I do. And maybe I'm just hoping for someone else to do it too.

Life is an amazing thing. It's a movie and a book, a never ending story about our lives. We're all the main character in our own story, but sometimes we forget that fact. We are so busy fulfilling the part of being the best friend to someone else's story that we forget to be the main character in our own.

My dearest stranger, I want to remind you that you are the main character in your own story. That you are amazing and deserve the best, no matter what anyone else tells you. You are strong and unique, no one can ever replace you, and I admire you greatly. Make sure you make this year your best year ever. Do the crazy things you've dreamt of doing but never really dared to. Dance in the rain, laugh a lot and enjoy life.

And I will try to do the same. We deserve this, my dear stranger. Let's make this our year. No self-inflicted restrictions, no what ifs, no second guessing ourselves. We are amazing, and we can do anything we set our minds to. So let's start now.

I wish you all the best.

Love,

Anonymous

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't quite get it. What is the point of this project? 

• Letters from Strangers is a collection of stories. In an age of internet technology, many people miss out on the intimacy of a hand written letter. I strive to spread compassion through the idea of shared humanity between people of all walks of life, and to reduce loneliness by providing a forum for honest expression that is safe and open to everyone. I try to connect human beings, and to make this world of strangers seem a little less strange. I seek to share insight, love, and creativity between people who have never met.

How does it work? 

• You send me a letter written anonymously to a stranger, and an empty envelope that is stamped and self addressed. You get an anonymous letter from someone else sent back to you. I also scan my favorites and put them online for everyone to read.

Where do I mail my letter? 

• Letters From Strangers
  P.O. Box 2705
  Winchester, VA 22604

 What should I write about? 

• Tell us your story. Use a writing prompt. Send in some fiction, poetry, philosophy, or art. Vent, or share the secrets that you can't share with anyone else. Write whatever feels right.

Do I have to send a self-addressed envelope? 

• Nope. It's fine if you don't want to receive one in return.

How can I get published on the blog? 

• Stand out. Share your story. Be unique, well written, and visually pleasing. Pen scans better than pencil does.

Is there any way to keep in touch with the person who wrote to me?

•  In order to protect the anonymity of volunteers, I do not store any personal information.

Can I post these images elsewhere? 

• Sure, just please provide a link back to my blog so they know where the letter came from.

How else can I help? 

• Get the word out there. Like Letters From Strangers on Facebook. Share letters with friends, or on other social media like Google+, Twitter, Stumble Upon, Tumblr, Pinterest, your personal blog, etc. If you're feeling ambitious, write a letter to a stranger and leave it in your community.

Today would have been my Dad's 54th birthday.

June 19, 2013

Dear friend,

Today would have been my Dad's 54th birthday. The last one he was alive to celebrate was his 51st, at which point he had a mental age of about 12. I don't mean he was in touch with his inner child so much as he had spent the last nine months aging backwards at an accelerating pace from a brain tumor. We didn't yet have to spoon-feed him, but we sure couldn't let him out on his own, either. He loved his birthday pie, which was filled with strawberries and extra love. But maybe in this state he was privy to something we weren't, maybe was more in touch with his inner child than I give him credit for. He spent the last months of his life laughing, loving, living and not just surviving. When people brought gifts or hugs, he accepted gratefully without any of the "Oh-no-you-shouldn't have" bullshit adults have been trained into. He took naps and went potty as he pleased. The part of his brain responsible for anxiety was largely collateral damage now, and frankly he was better for it until the reason killed him.

I'm writing you this letter because I wanted to share a story with a stranger, but you're receiving it for a different reason. You're receiving it because you deserve a bright spot in your day. I don't know why, but you do. Take a moment and consider what you've done or who you've been that deserves an award that no one has recognized you for. Below is your award for you to cut out and keep with you. I hope it reminds you that you are special for the you that you bring to the world.

But the award comes with one price. Pass on an act of kindness. It can be for a stranger, a friend, or a familiar stranger. It can be another letter or a quarter in someone's parking meter. Whatever it is, I hope it negates a little piece of anxiety in your brain.

Who I Am Makes A Difference

Love always,

Me

Today's Haul

I was so happy to go to the post office and find all of these waiting for me.

Calling All Strangers

Help get the word out about Letters From Strangers, and participate in a random act of kindness.

Create an anonymous letter and leave it in your community.

It's a great summer writing exercise for those of you on vacation from school, and a good remedy for writer's block. I'll be leaving a few of mine around town at parks, libraries and used book stores, coffee shops, campus, and more. Don't forget to write LettersFromStrangers.com on it somewhere so they can come back and comment. Brighten a stranger's day, and mine. :)

Paradox and Confidence

Dear Stranger,

I don't know a lot, but I do know you're better than you think you are. I know you struggle with life in some way, and I want you to know that I do too.

I don't know a lot, but I know I'm a paradox. I want to be happy, but I'm complacent in my sadness. I'm lazy, yet ambitious. I don't like myself, but I'm in love with who I am. I feign confidence, yet I breathe insecurities. I crave attention, though I reject it when it comes my direction. I know that I am a conflicted contradiction. If I can't figure myself out, there's no way anyone else has.

When you are sure you're worthless and nothing, look again for the beauty and grace I know is there. If you can't find it, look again. Confidence is not self-satisfaction, it's the faith one has to find their light in the darkness of the world.

Keep looking,

A Stranger

The Fault In Our Stars

Dear Stranger,

Yesterday (May 21st, 2013) I received my letter from a stranger. My stranger told me I wasn't alone in the world, but rather surrounded by lonely people. Anyway, at the end of her letter, she told me to read "The Fault In Our Stars" by John Green.

The next day (today, may 22nd) I checked the book out of my school library and in just a few hours I finished it. And now I'm writing this to you, because you need to read that book. And if you already have, feel blessed. Ta know life fucking sucks sometimes, like really really sucks. But we are alive, living, we are healthy (mostly).

I know I always forget to be grateful for the small stuff, but that small stuff is essential to happiness. Example: Reading a book that changes your perspective on life, eating your favorite food in the middle of the night, lying in your bed watching Hulu or Netflix. I don't even really know what I'm saying at this point, but just appreciate the small stuff that makes you smile.

I don't know you or anything about you, and you know nothing about me. Well, you should know that I'm fighting my own personal battle, a very emotional one, a complicated one, and I have no doubt you're doing the same. We are all struggling, really, like I said, life fucking sucks sometimes. Or maybe you lead a very perfect life, in which case I'm jealous. Anyway, you're received my letter for a reason, something I've said is meant for your eyes to read. I hope this letter benefits you, I hope I make your life the tinsiest bit different. Please, read 'the fault in our stars'. And then, if you have time, read 50 Shades of Grey. :) Do something ridiculous this week ok? Seriously, do something this week that you'll remember forever.

Life goes on, Stranger.

Writer, mentor, teacher, friend.

Dear Stranger,

I'm glad to be sending this card to you. I don't know you, but I hope to -slightly- brighten your day. Since I can't reveal anything personal about myself, instead I'll tell you something MORE than personal: The last line I read in the book with which I am currently falling in love was: "For many years, Beverly will remember every word of this conversation while failing to recall no matter how hard she tries, who hung up first." If you find it, I highly recommend this book. The author is a mentor + former teacher of mine. Though I love her book irrelevant of her person, but it just so happens she is also the last person who made me cry - of gladness, and painful self-awareness. I am soon to lose my job + am having a tough time finding alternate employment. Gosh. It. Is. Hard. And my confidence is taking a serious hit. 2 years out of college, I'm back to hunting, back to my childhood bedroom + friend's couches.

I am not miserable, but I am sad. When I saw this person- writer, mentor, teacher, friend- she told me I am talented, and I was shocked to find how much my insides no longer knew this + needed to be told.

Stranger... I hope that there is nothing you yearn for in that way just now, but if there is, I hope also that you can identify someone in your life who can remind you that you are so lovely + talented + worthwhile in all of your you-ness.

With love,
from Me

Inspiration

Dear Stranger

Yesterday I received a letter from a stranger. It was so upbeat and uplifting. It seemed surreal as the stranger was sending me their energy. Not know who I am and what I might look like. Isn't this weird or is it meant to be this way. That we will always be writing these letters and never ever know who the person on the other side receiving is. Or is this supposed to be destined or preordained by this universe. One can argue on this point.

Anyway I am sending you today something special. It is called INSPIRATION. I want you to be inspired by no one other than yourself. True, we have a lot of people we can get inspiration from. But nevertheless we must find inspiration within ourselves. I have looked at myself and wondered who really inspires me. As a child it was my mother father and anyone else who I could look up to. I guess as children it is easy to find a mentor or someone to look up to. But as you grow older you really wonder is the inspiration you get from outsiders the true inspiration. Does it really motivate me to excel in the things I truly want to excel. Or should I motivate myself to find that deep sense of inspiration solely within me. These are questions I have always asked myself. True, I have always wanted to be the next most compassionate person. And there are a lot of folks who you can draw your inspiration to be compassionate. But at the end of the day I am not sure you can acheive anything without lifting yourself up to be what you really want to be.

So as I am writing to you, I wonder if you have achieved everything you wanted and are content with life or you are just one of those that is still looking out for the next power ball lottery to be won. No matter what stage you are in your life you still need something more, something to make you excited every morning-something to jump out of bed and say- I am really looking forward to it. That is why I am saying life needs to be inspired all the time- by people around you but most importantly by you.

I hope after reading this letter you will find something that you will do today and tonight as you go to bed you will say- Yes, this letter inspired me to do this! Trust me if you do I will feel it all - no matter where you are. I will smile when you smile and somewhere in the universe we will be bound by a common thread to this thought.

Peace and get inspired now!

MD

Dear Stranger,

You. Are. Beautiful. Inside and out. I want to tell you how much you are appreciated. Without you, this world would not be quite the same. If it weren't for you, I probably would not be awake right now. I wouldn't be as happy without you - knowing that this letter will never touch your hands the way they are touching it now. Beautiful, dear, admirable stranger - Do me a favor. Look around you. Look up. Look down. Look at yourself. Deep into yourself. Are you happy? Are you happy as you could be? Should be? What would make you happier, just what would make you smile? One hour ago, 5 minutes ago, until the VERY last second you opened this letter, you didn't know I existed. But now stranger, we will forever be connected in a sense of anonymity! We're friends! I want the best for you. I want you to live a remarkable, joyous life. I wish you only good things, and long-lasting health, and wisdom and sensibility. Because that is what a friend does for another. Stranger, friend, brand new acquaintance-

I CHALLENGE you:

To try something different each and every day of your life. To do what makes you happy. To live without regrets. To make new friends and meet different people! To breathe and feel at peace. To ACCEPT YOURSELF for who you are.

Life is already difficult. Why make it any harder?

I will never forget you. You are loved.

(heart) Your Stranger

Our Very Own PO Box

Letters from Strangers is an exchange of words, a social experiment, and community art project aiming to connect strangers from around the world. Through just one letter, you can touch someone's life.

You send me an anonymous letter written to a stranger and a stamped self-addressed envelope. I repackage your letter and send it off to another stranger. Then I send a random letter from a stranger to you.

Please do not reveal your name or contact information in your letter. I do not store your name or address, and no one will see them but you, me, and the postal service. The goal is complete anonymity.

Feel free to sketch or paint, include crafts, write a story, philosophize, ramble, wax poetic, or just let your creativity flow.

Send your letter to:

Letters From Strangers
P.O. Box 2705

Winchester, VA 22604








If you would like to support Letters from Strangers, please feel free to donate (using the button on the bottom right side of the blog) or include a spare stamp with your letter. Any contribution helps me to keep LFS running, and is greatly appreciated.

If you would like to send a letter without getting one in return, that is perfectly fine.



Legal Notice: By submitting to this website, you are giving Letters From Strangers permission to publish your letters with a permanent and royalty free license. Letters From Strangers maintains rights to possess, reproduce, select, distribute, and modify content that has been mailed in. By submitting a marked and stamped envelope, you are agreeing to receive a letter from another stranger. While discretion is used, Letters From Strangers is not responsible for the content of the letter that you receive. Images from this website are not to be displayed without credit.

Dear Stranger,

Hello. I don't really know how to start this (I've never done this before, you know). I'm already wondering about you; are you old, and wise? Will you read this and think, ah. I know the feeling. I've been there. I've done that. Or are you young, and naive, and will you say, oh my I don't know, I can't understand you, I don't relate? I think you'll understand. In my experience, we're all more alike than different. My problem is this: I'm not entirely sure who I am. Wait, let me specify: I know my name, I know my gender, and my family and my favorite color. I know my race, where I live, and how long I sleep at night. But what I don't know is this: I don't know who I like and who I don't like, I don't know what I want to be, or if I'm good enough to be it; I have only a vague idea of what I want to do, and rarely have the courage to pursue it; I don't know what real life is like, outside of my "perfect" suburban town, and I think that's why I don't know who I am; I don't know who I am in the context of the world. But maybe no one knows that. Or, maybe I'm just nothing, maybe my thoughts and questions and wonders are trite, trivial, shallow, commonplace. And that's why I'm writing to you, stranger! Nothing ever happens here, and especially not to me. So I wanted to hear what someone's life is like, someone who is probably completely and totally different than me, so tell me anything and everything, I'm curious. I want to know if people think like me, if I'm not as weird as I thought I was. I just want to hear your story. And your advice. But that's highly unlikely, so tell me whatever's on your mind. I'll listen.

Lots of [heart],

A Stranger