Everything You Need To Know About The “SECRET LETTERS TO STRANGERS MONTH – GLOBAL KINDNESS INITIATIVE”

During August, people around the world will be writing secret letters to strangers and leaving them in public as an anonymous act of kindness, to spread hope and inspiration and remind people that we are all in life together, and by connecting with each other we can make a difference and emphasise the good in the world.

By writing a secret letter, you could make someone’s day, or even change their life.

You might even find a letter yourself. How nice would that be?

So far over 3000 people have responded to the event invitation on Facebook, and it has been shared over 1000 times… I’d like to say a BIG thank you to all who have expressed interest and have shared and invited friends… all it takes is one person to make a difference, but with many, we can spread so much more kindness and inspiration, and I can’t wait to flood the globe with uplifting letters this August!

If you haven’t yet responded as ‘going’ or ‘interested’ on the event page, you can do so here: https://www.facebook.com/events/465815260431665/

You can also join the private Facebook group for THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT, the book that inspired the idea to have a month dedicated to writing letters to strangers, as “Dear Stranger” is one of the chapters in the book (there are 20 different types of letters included in the book, such as Dear Me, Dear Soulmate, Dear Universe, Dear Ex… all to help gain emotional wellbeing, forgiveness and acceptance, and self empowerment). Join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesecretlettersproject/

To participate in the Secret Letters Month this August, all you need to do is the following:

1. Download and print out the official Dear Stranger letter template. It is in the files section of the Facebook group, on the Secret Letters page of this website, and you can also download it RIGHT HERE. You can print 1 copy or 100, or however many you would like. You don’t need to explain in the letter about the secret letters month, there is an explanation at the bottom and a website address where the recipient can choose to share their experience or take part too.
2. Write a positive letter to a stranger. It can be a few sentences, half a page, a full page, or several pages. You can write one letter or many. *See tips below of what you could write.
3. Leave your letter or letters somewhere in public during August (although you can start earlier if you like, and you can continue after August). You can simply leave the letter as is, fold the letter, or put it in an envelope, or a plastic zip-lock bag (if leaving outdoors where it might rain). If using an envelope, be sure to write something on it that will encourage someone to open it, eg: For You, Dear Stranger, Open Me, etc. *See tips below on where you could leave your letters.

4. Optional: Share in the Secret Letters group (or on the Facebook event page) about your experiences, your letters, photos, how you felt, etc. You can also share on social media using the hashtag #secretlettersproject. If using Instagram, you can tag me at @julietmadisonauthorartist …And if you find a letter yourself, please let us know!

And that’s it! Print the template, write a letter, and leave it in public. Simple, but powerful.

Tips on what to write:

Think of a tough day you’ve had and what would have made you feel better. What words, phrases, or positive sayings come to mind? Imagine the person receiving your letter is having a bad day, or perhaps they are having a good day, and when they receive your letter, they are going to feel even better. Write about positive things you have learned in life, supportive words of encouragement, or a reminder that each and every person is special and a valuable part of life. You may even simply write something like “Dear Stranger, I hope you have an amazing day!” The letter can be as long or short as you wish. As you write, imagine the recipient with a big smile on their face as they read your words.
You may choose to leave it unsigned, write your first name, or write something like “from one stranger to another,” “from anonymous,” “from me,” or “from a friend.”

Example:

Dear Stranger,
You might be wondering what this is all about. Why would someone leave an anonymous letter for someone else to find? The reason is simple. There is a lot of negativity in the world, but I am choosing to spread joy and kindness. I would like to wish you an amazing day, and I hope all your dreams come true. Always believe in yourself, never give up, and keep smiling.
Love,
Your anonymous friend xo

Ideas for places to leave letters: 

• In a public park (weather permitting, or placed in a plastic bag)
• In a doctor’s waiting room
• At the gym
• In a library on a shelf or inside a book
• At a bookstore
• Under the windshield wiper of someone’s car
• In a shopping cart
• In a payphone booth
• At an automatic teller machine
• In a stranger’s mailbox
• In an elevator

Other tips/ideas:

• Put your letter in an envelope and write something on it to encourage the recipient to open it. You may wish to decorate the envelope too.
• Along with your letter, include a spare blank letter & pen for the recipient to write their own and save them printing it out
• Leave a gift with the letter, eg: a scratchie ticket, a bookmark, a small amount of cash, a book, a movie voucher, a café gift certificate, etc.
• Decorate your letter with drawings or stickers
• Have a letter writing party with friends and then go on a kindness spree together
• Get your children involved to teach them about the importance of showing kindness
• Blog about your experience or share in the Secret Letters Facebook group

CONTEST:

*I am also running a preorder contest during July… if you order the book before August and send me your receipt or proof of purchase via email or Facebook message, you’ll go in the draw to win a personal handwritten letter from me along with a special secret gift! This contest is open worldwide.

To enter:

1. Order a copy of THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT from your preferred retailer. Some options are: Amazon, Book Depository (free worldwide shipping), B&N, Booktopia, Dymocks.
2. Send your proof of purchase to me by July 31 at jtmauthor@gmail.com with “Secret Letters preorder contest” in the subject line, or send via message on my Facebook page.

I’ll draw the winner at the beginning of August.

Thank you for taking the time to participate. I’ll also be writing my own secret letters! Have fun and enjoy.

~ Juliet xo

*HERE is the letter template again.