By M. Kate Allen
When my oldest daughter was a Daisy running her cookie business for the first time, I helped her write her very first handwritten thank-you cards to cookie customers – a tradition that has continued with both of my daughters every year during cookie season and fall product program. The only thing better than buying a package of Girl Scout Cookies is receiving a handwritten letter of gratitude. I've heard many customers comment on their delight after receiving thank-you cards, and I'm convinced that these are a factor in cookie customers returning.
There's something intimate and delightful about receiving a
hand-written card, especially one that arrives in the mail. On one
level, it's just scribbles on processed tree pulp; on another, it is
magic. A handwritten note takes effort, time, and intention. It says
that the person writing it stopped everything for a few moments of
their day to think of you and offer their appreciation.
What better way to engage in self-care during cookie season than to
write yourself a handwritten card?
This form of self-care has seven steps that can be done with others
or in solitude, depending on your preference.
1. Take yourself on a trip, in-person or virtually, to a store that
sells stationery. I like to visit local bookstores like Changing Hands
in Tempe/Phoenix, but any bookstore, drugstore, dollar store, or
online seller will do. Find some stationary or thank-you cards,
something that delights you, even if (perhaps especially if) someone
else would find it silly.
2. Find yourself a fancy pen, a marker, a colored pencil, or a
crayon. The brighter and more unusual and more fun the color is, the
better.
3. Scavenge for stickers. Splurge on a pack if you don't already
have some.
4. Write yourself a thank-you letter. Consider writing in your
non-dominant hand if you'd like to invoke the spirit of your younger
self or write with your dominant hand if you love how your handwriting
looks on the page. Be specific as you're writing: what are you
thankful for? Why is this person that you're writing to so amazing?
Consider making a list of five things that you're thankful for. Then
consider expanding it to ten. The quicker you write, the better (and
the easier the gratitude will flow). Add stickers for emphasis.
5. Put the letter in an envelope, address it to yourself, stick a
stamp on it, add another sticker (or three) to the envelope, and walk
it out to the mailbox or take it to the post office. Take a selfie
with the envelope before you drop it in the mailbox and post it on
social media.
6. Check the mail like you're waiting for a reply to fan letter you
just sent to your favorite band. When it arrives, let your inside
feelings come right out. Squeal, do a happy dance, do a
cartwheel--whatever suits your mood. Then make yourself a yummy
beverage, grab your favorite Girl Scout Cookies, and open that
envelope. What's it like reading those words? Journal about it or
share it with your best friends, or both.
7. Put your letter somewhere close so you can read it as often as
you wish. You're worth it.
The Authentic Leadership Community (“ALC”) is
centered around the idea of Authentic Girl Scout Leadership. We are
committed to helping you discover, unlock, and develop your
leadership superpowers so that you can guide and empower your girls
as they grow into leaders themselves.
