DEAR STRANGER LETTERS
WHAT
WHY
Anonymous letters to strangers who have left a positive, lasting impression on you
Sometimes, with no true motive or intention, a complete stranger will affect us in a way that may, ever so slightly, shift our life. And, more likely than not, they will never know.
To acknowledge the people who silently make us smile, or think, or imagine, or dream a little bit more. To say thank you to our neighbors and to remind others, and ourselves, that our presence in this world never goes unnoticed.
In our often-fast-paced lives, a simple, shared moment with others can help remind us of our humanity. A quick, fleeting encounter reminds us that a "stranger" isn't so strange after all.
THIS IS WHAT DEAR STRANGER LETTERS ARE FOR
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Hi, I'm Bella.
I like meeting new people. Usually that starts with talking to strangers. Sounds dangerous, but let's be real...all we do these days is get in cars with strangers, "follow" strangers, and surround ourselves with new strangers everyday. It's interesting, though, that we use the word strangers to describe the people around us.
I like to believe we are all, essentially, one in the same. Our world today implores us to find differences with our neighbors when, in fact, the similarities that we share as a human race are innumerable. The way we love, the way we hurt, the way we laugh and play and explore and dream. When we strip away the "different," and instead illuminate our likeness, the world around us can become so beautiful.
It's exciting to me that at any moment someone new can walk into my life and inspire me in some way. Every day, there is potential for another person to affect my life's narrative and me, theirs. Through these letters, I strive to celebrate the strangers who have briefly entered my world and still, so subtly, have left a beautiful twist in my story.
I hope you'll do the same.
Enjoy!
Your Letter
There are no strict guidelines for Dear Stranger letters. Each is unique to its author in tone, content, and structure. Whether they are addressed to an actual stranger, an open letter to someone you know, a letter to your former self, anonymous, or signed, all are welcome.
A little reminder that these are intended to celebrate others. Thus, my only request is they be positive messages!
Thanks for joining in!
Thank you for your submission!
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