Write a letter of appreciation to someone who has impacted your life.

“As the stack of letters piled up, I realized that my weekly thank-you letter writing sessions worked better at managing my stress than antianxiety meds or a crisp double IPA. My shoulders would creep up to my ears from fear or worry or grief, and I would think, “Aha! Time to write another letter.” I would spend 30 minutes or an hour awash in memories — of how my high school best friend pumped up my ever-deflating ego in our daily therapy sessions in the second-floor girls’ bathroom, or how my physical therapist unfroze my frozen shoulder so I could once again fasten my own bra strap — and come away with a feeling of restoration and calm.”

“My dad was so delighted with his letter, he framed it and hung it over his desk. And it was underneath that framed letter that I sat, six months later, writing his eulogy. At age 81, Dad had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, and was gone six weeks later. The solace I took from knowing that he had read my letter before we lost him, and that he knew exactly what he meant to me, was considerable balm for my grief.”

“After tryouts, when they announced, over the school intercom, all the girls who made it to the next round, my name was not announced. But all the other girls in our class made it. The person over the intercom, said Congratulations to all who made it and YOU said, “And Congratulations to Bridget for trying her best at tryouts.” WOW! I remember that to this day! You made me feel valued in my little world filled with disappointment and devastation. You made me feel like I still was good enough. Thank You for taking the time to get to know me and acknowledge who I was.”