The Ugly Ones

The dreaded question: "Tell me about yourself." It happens in job interviews, on dates and sometimes over drinks with that cute stranger you eyed from the other side of the bar. How do you respond? 

I hardly ever have a problem answering this question. On paper, I know exactly who I am. I know how I want to be defined. I have brains, experiences and a passion for who I want to be. I define myself in terms of milestones - look at all the things I have accomplished and want to accomplish; clearly I know what I'm doing. Some people look at me and say, "You have it all figured out." This makes me happy. People perceive me as successful, determined, motivated. 

But that answer - it's just my sales pitch. And it's a good one, yet is it honest? You could say yes. None of it is a lie. Those are my accomplishments and goals and dreams and aspirations. But it's not the whole story. It's only the nice parts. 

The whole story isn't just nice parts. No one wants to define themselves by the negative things, the ugly things, the things that hurt. But those moments are defining. Those ugly parts are just as responsible for making us who we are as the great success stories are. 

Don't be afraid to be ugly and to embrace the ugliness, because it makes you, you. It's in the dark places that we learn the most about ourselves, so long as we confront it and face it head on. I believe in standing up to the things that scare you. Find your voice and use it. When you come out of that dark, ugly place you'll be a better person for it.

The Snail Mail Project

Who doesn't love getting mail? Not e-mail of course, but good old-fashioned, out of the postman's hands mail. I love it! (Except bills. And credit card applications. Or graduate school brochures. Most of the time mail stinks.) It's incredible how opening up the mailbox to find a handwritten note can totally change my day. It makes you feel special, like someone cared enough to take their precious time to sit down and pen out a note, just for you. (And to go through all the trouble to find a postage stamp...that can be a pain.)

Receiving a real piece of handwritten mail is a joy that has unfortunately been all but lost in today's everything-in-your-face-right-this-second digital world. I'm one who still believes in the art of letter writing, calligraphy and handsome engraved stationery. That's why I am so excited to share with y'all a wonderful idea from Amanda at Sweet Tea Paperie. She's come up with this unique concept called "The Snail Mail Project."

Amanda discovered that you can mail nearly any object through the postal service without an envelope or box, as long as it weighs less than 13 oz. As long as it has an address and proper postage, the postmaster will deliver it. That leaves some pretty neat possibilities for my next note!
After her discovery, Amanda dreamed up "The Snail Mail Project. If you sign up through her blog, she'll match you with one other registrant. You receive their address and then send them the most unique, fun piece of mail you can think of. I'm so excited to receive my partner's info and start dreaming up what fun things I can send through the mail. Who knows...maybe it will even lead to a fun pen-palmanship.

I love that Amanda is connecting people from all across the country through penmanship and creativity. I encourage all of you to participate in this fun little game along with me! You never know what you might find in your mailbox!