Today I received a love letter. Not the kind you’re thinking of, this was a real love letter. Sex and desire had nothing to do with it. No one was trying to win me back, or get me to forgive him. The letter wasn't sent to impress, just to express.
My friend Lisa sent out the following email to a few of her closest friends and family. It said the following,
"I'm working with a career coach and got an assignment to ask 10 people for their perspective on my assets. I'll need to "turn this in" sometime next week.
I don't need a paragraph or anything - more like a list of what you see as my "unique abilities" (that's what the assignment is called). As a friend, family member or co-worker, what do you think I'm good for/at? It doesn't have to be work related and it probably should be something you know about me first hand.
Anyway, thanks for your help. I know this isn't easy, and I really appreciate your taking the time to think about it and get back to me."
I jotted down a few things off the top of my head, because I felt it would be more authentic. I wanted to compose what came to mind. I sent her what I felt was a very truthful list of her most endearing traits.
Today, my friend decided to return the favor. I received an email of what she sees as my "unique abilities". I was stunned, humbled and honored all at once. Click below if you would like to read what I consider to be a superlative love letter.
So here goes:
You have such an adventurous spirit! I really admire your blog, the pillows, your travels, the groups you've hooked up with lately. And I love that you share your adventures so generously.
You are a great storyteller and talker. You have a natural rhythm that comes across in your speech and writing and makes what you have to say very engaging. You use detail and repetition very artfully to craft powerful and entertaining stories.
You have a young heart. You're on top of the latest styles and trends, and you're a very stylish woman. Also, you are drawn to younger people who you mentor without making them feel less than in any way.
You work hard at becoming a better person, and are extremely honest about your character defects. Your willingness to tell stories about how you used to be - without judging yourself for not knowing better at the time - makes me feel so much better about my own foibles.
You're always there when I need someone to talk to. You never treat me as if I'm crazy to feel the way I do, and you always have something really positive to say.
Hugs to you too,
Lisa
| Posted by: nicole | August 22, 2004 10:45 AM |
what a great friend! She sounds so sweet :) |
| Posted by: Jeanna | August 23, 2004 11:32 PM |
That is so awesome, what a wonderful letter to receive!! and all of it so very true! Love Ya :) |
| Posted by: Lisa | August 30, 2004 03:51 PM |
hey, i made the blog! how cool! i think we should all do what we can to build each other up - this exercise was great for me, and a great opportunity to practice what i preach. love ya |
| Posted by: Liz | August 30, 2004 04:29 PM |
This isn't the first time you "made the blog" Lisa. He-he I agree with you to, we all like to be around people that encourage us and uplift us. We all have enough people that want to tear us down. |