Day One. Nervous.

It's Thursday, November 8th. Day one. I'm nervous but excited to embark on this project.

The idea to leave inspiring love notes for strangers came to me a few weeks ago when I was in a park in Philadelphia handing out candy for one of my clients. Most people were kind and friendly, others walked out of their way to avoid me and some wouldn't even make eye contact. I'm not the least bit shy but it's still a pretty uncomfortable experience to just walk up to complete strangers, say hello and hand them a few pieces of candy. When I first started, I had to force myself to do it - then, after about 20 minutes, I loved it. I had an excuse to engage everyone - that day I spoke to nearly every type of person I could imagine. From those who looked like high-powered executives to a group of bike messengers (by far the most fun I had all day; I loved those guys!) to a few teenagers who were clearly homeless. The one person who really got to me was a man who was probably in his 70s. He was walking with his head down and looking sad. I put on my best smile and went right up to him. He was annoyed at first but when I said, "you look like you're having a bad day, want a piece of candy?" He smiled and immediately dropped his guard. In fact, I spent the next 20 minutes talking to him and laughing. It was just a few minutes and a few pieces of candy, but I felt really great when he walked away. About 30 minutes later, he came through the park again, walked right up to me and told me that he hadn't been able to stop thinking about me and the kindness I showed him. I'd saved his day! (He also told me that I was beautiful and witty, which meant more to me than I could ever explain. He saved my day, too!).

On my way home that day, I thought about how happy it's always made me to help people. Get to know me and you'll see the pattern. It's very clear. I love to help and to connect people to others who can help them.

You should also know that the past year has been really tough for me. I've soared with hope and I've been in a ball on the floor sobbing, asking the Universe to either fix me or take me outta here. It's been a roller coaster ride, and it's not quite over yet. Through it all, I have been amazed at how just the right people have come to me with love, words of inspiration and hope. People from my past who have surprised and overwhelmed me and new people who offered me an instant connection. Every one of them have helped to change my life and are helping me become the girl that's been hiding inside me. It's by far the sweetest, most profound part of life that I've discovered in my 43 years. And now I want to pass it on.

I hope that the notes I leave bring a smile, spark a positive thought and maybe even start someone on a path to change their lives.

If you're reading this because you've gotten one of my notes, I'd love to hear how it affected you. I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.

With love,

Me

(I am also inspired by Amanda Oaks and her Kind Bombs at kindovermatter.com. Check her out. She's wonderful.)