AgeEsteem touches people of ALL ages.

When a friend’s son was about to turn 16, he went through a terrible stage of insecurity.  He was convinced that no one liked him.  He didn’t feel a part of his peer group.  He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do or that he was even good at anything.

My reaction was to purchase a variety of cards and rummage through drawers at home to find more.  The end result was a real mix of styles and messages.  I then gave a stamped envelope and card to multiple friends and colleagues asking them to simply address the card in their own handwriting and to sign it with just their first name, or one that they thought would be fun to find on a card.  The outcome was a flood of 15 birthday cards.

A few weeks later I bumped into his mother and asked how her son’s birthday had turned out.  She explained it had gone very well.   Her son had received lots of cards, some from people he thought he knew; others he was less sure about.  He figured one of the girls at school whom he likes must have spread the word about his birthday.  His mother said that it had cut through his depressive mood to know friends cared.  He was feeling better about himself.

Did I ever let on that I was responsible?  Absolutely not!  This is one time when the mystery had to be lasting.

There are times when it is effective to remain anonymous, but not always.  It is for you to decide.

AgeEsteem is loving yourself at the age you are today so you can share love with others, either anonymously or openly.

Bonnie Across-generations, Life Stages - Ages 16, AgeEsteem, all ages, birthday cards, love, secret admirer

From your secret admirer

Have you ever received a an anonymous card or thank you note to tell you how much you are appreciated?  Has a bouquet of flowers been delivered with no signature, simply the message “From your secret admirer”?

I would agree that it is more fun to know who the person is. -  But there is excitement in not knowing.  We begin to think about those people we know who might be this admirer.  It prompts us to look at people around us differently.  Is HE the one?  Is SHE the one?

Suddenly we find ourselves deep in thought, remembering what we have done for others that may have spurred this note or gift.  We tune in to how people look at us and we listen more closely to the nuances in their speech when we are together.  It reminds us of past experiences and kindnesses given and received.

And all of this positive thinking has been sparked by a single note or gift that is not signed.

Bonnie reaching out bouquet, kindnesses, positive thinking, secret admirer