Dear Reader,
When I type email, or send a card or letter to someone, and I get to the sign off, I stop and really think about the last few words I choose to use. Beginnings are important, but I've discovered the endings, the last words, the final thoughts, those are the feelings that stay with me.
"Hi Suzanne,
I read your column every day. I enjoy your warmth, humor, and wisdom. Today's column on 'it's better to be sad than happy' really touched my heart. I am going through a difficult time and your wisdom and perspective lifted me up. Your article was so beautifully written. I am saving your article in my inspirational quotes folder to refer back to. Just wanted you to know that you comforted me today and that means a lot. You're a good lady! Many blessings to you my friend. Much love, Jean"
Jean says she's keeping a copy of my column to refer back to, and I was so touched by her words, that I've saved her email for months. How could I not find inspiration in rereading her sign-off words when I was having a bad day? "Just wanted you to know you comforted me today...You're a good lady...many blessings to you my friend."
Simple words at the end, yet a huge impact. Jean's email inspired me to start a list of endings that have left me with good feelings.
You always make my day.
God bless you real good.
You're a wonderful person.
I admire you.
You've inspired me.
Thank you so much.
You'll never know how much this meant to me.
Your words comforted me today.
Thank you kindly.
You are such a joy.
You're an amazing person.
Make today an exciting adventure,
Find a moment of peace today,
I hope it's a real good day,
With sincere thanks,
Your help is greatly appreciated,
Beginnings and endings, those experiences might be the perfect subject for you to write about in this year's Write a DearReader Contest. There are less than two weeks left to enter. I'm excited about reading your entry. Remember, you don't have to be a writer to enter. It's writing for fun. To read all the other information you need, click here.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
This month's Penguin Classics book is PENGUIN BOOK OF MIGRATION IN LITERATURE: DEPARTURES, ARRIVALS, GENERATIONS, RETURNS, edited by Dohra Ahmad. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading today and enter for your chance to win.
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