I challenge you to write 53 letters in a year!

The 53 letter challenge challenges you to write 53 letters in one year, one letter a week with an extra letter written any time during the year. Every week it must be someone different so that by the end of the year you have sent letters to 53 different people. Of course you can write more than one letter to the same person, but that does not count as your letter for the week.

This challenge is directed at women, but men can do it too. Women are often much more affected by the giving and receiving of kind words. Do you feel that just sending a simple letter is meaningless? Love does not always have to be something that is done in radical ways, love is something that you can show every day in small ways. It can often be easier to show compassion and love when someone is in dire need, but on a day-to-day basis we get "too busy" to think of small ways to show we care.

How is a card or letter any different than an e-mail? A card can be re-read any number of times, day or night. It can be hung on the fridge or set on a desk and act as a reminder every time they pass it. A tangible letter takes more time and foresight than an e-mail to sit down and write. Actions really do speak louder than words. The act of sending a card has the ability of showing someone your love.

When I began the 53 letter challenge I was worried I would not know 53 different people to send a letter. However, it is amazing how someone's name just pops into your head that could use your words of encouragement, love, comfort, or even humor. Every week someone's name comes to mind who is struggling with something, or maybe something very exciting has happened in their life and I write to share in their joy.

With Facebook, Twitter, iphones, smart phones, and the other over-priced technological toys people buy, letters are a thing of the past. Think about how often you receive a handwritten letter address to you and with a real stamp in the corner? Once a month? Once year at Christmas?

Try the 53 letter challenge and I guarantee you will think of people each and every week that could use a few thoughtful words from you.