Writing Not Left Unsaid Letters
Join the Not Left Unsaid Movement
Not Left Unsaid Letters: A Practice of Gratitude
Life goes fast. It zooms. It explodes. It leaks. It sneaks. It was just there. Now turn around, it’s gone.
I try to find ways to slow life down and connect. First, with myself, then with the people who matter the most. One way I do this is by writing Not Left Unsaid letters.
it's easy to let moments slip by without expressing appreciation for the people who have impacted our lives. We often think, "I'll thank them later," but "later" can turn into never. That’s where a Not Left Unsaid letter comes in. It’s a heartfelt way to slow down, reflect, and express gratitude to those who have made a difference in our lives.
What is a Not Left Unsaid Letter?
A Not Left Unsaid letter is a meaningful way to acknowledge someone’s impact on your life. It’s more than just a thank-you note; it’s a chance to share a story, relive a memory, and articulate the significance of someone’s contribution to your journey.
The idea is simple: take a moment to think about someone who has been meaningful on your path—whether they were aware of it or not. Perhaps it was a teacher who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself, a childhood friend who stood by your side during tough times, or a mentor who offered guidance when you were lost. These people may appreciate knowing the difference they made in your life, and a Not Left Unsaid letter is a perfect way to tell them.
Why Write a Not Left Unsaid Letter?
Like I said, life moves fast. We often don’t realize the impact someone has had on us until years, or even decades, later. The Not Left Unsaid letter is our opportunity to acknowledge that impact. It allows us to pause, reflect on our journey, and express gratitude in a way that’s both genuine and specific.
Consider the people who have influenced you—whether through an intentional act or simply by being who they were at a particular moment in your life. When was the last time you spoke to them or even thought about them? Do they know the role they played in your story? If not, now is the time to tell them.
Who Should Receive Your Not Left Unsaid Letter?
Many people have likely made a difference in your life. Your Not Left Unsaid letter could be addressed to:
A teacher or coach who pushed you to be better.
An uncle or aunt who offered wisdom and support.
A childhood friend who shared in your earliest adventures.
A first boss or college professor who believed in your potential.
A former co-worker who stood by you in challenging times.
The beauty of the Not Left Unsaid letter is that it can be sent to anyone who has had a meaningful impact on you, even if they are no longer with us. Writing to someone who has passed away can help solidify memories and bring them back into your life in a small, yet significant, way. Your letter might also be to someone you’ve never met—a public or historical figure whose work or life profoundly influenced you.
How to Get Started
Writing a Not Left Unsaid letter doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Start by thinking about the person you want to thank. What would you say to them if they were sitting with you right now? Be genuine and specific—focus on one particular event or moment that exemplifies the impact they had on you.
Here’s a simple structure to guide you through writing your Not Left Unsaid letter:
Reintroduce: Start by reintroducing yourself, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve been in contact.
Remind: Focus on one story, event, or example that illustrates their influence.
Express Gratitude: Clearly articulate why you are thankful and how their actions affected you.
Close on a Positive Note: End your letter with warm regards and, if appropriate or relevant, an invitation to reconnect.
For example, when I wrote a Not Left Unsaid letter to my sister, I began by reminiscing about a shared experience, expressed my gratitude for her support during that time, and closed by letting her know how much her presence in my life means to me.
Where Your Not Left Unsaid Journey Might Take You
Once you’ve written your letter, don’t stop there. You can take your journey further by turning these letters into blog posts, entries in a personal journal, or part of your memoir. You may even make writing Not Left Unsaid letters a family tradition or a personal goal—like writing one letter a week. It may help to keep a list of people you want to thank and note how and why you want to express your gratitude to them.
Join the Not Left Unsaid Movement
Writing a Not Left Unsaid letter is more than an exercise in gratitude; it’s a way to connect with the people who have shaped your life. So, what’s stopping you? Pick up a pen, open your laptop, and start writing. Share your journey, inspire others, and join the Not Left Unsaid movement.
If you’re willing to share your progress or have any questions, email me or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram. Let’s celebrate the power of remembering and gratitude together - #notleftunsaid.
More Light
May I find the light.
May I hold the light.
May the light warm me.
May I grow the light.
May I share the light.
May the light guide me.
May I be the light.
Roy Likes Apples
Because Roy likes apples.
Susan gives me an overripe apple and a few expired raspberries to put out for our neighborhood deer. I take Roy, our three-legged wonder dog, with me because Roy likes to help. Roy and I decide the apple is not too overripe. So we share it, because Roy likes apples and so do I. I take a bite, then share a piece with Roy. This continues until we’re down to the core, which we give to the deer, along with the raspberries. These are the moments that matter to me.
Roy likes apples. And he likes pineapples, too. Mike Barzacchini photo.
Roy’s favorite pineapple toy. Roy’s a big chewer and this toy has lasted more than four years. It’s still his favorite (affiliate link).
2025 Full Moon Schedule
2025 Full Moon Schedule. Photos by Mike Barzacchini
I’ve created a 2025 full moon schedule featuring some my favorite moon photos take in recent years. I’ve also incldued dates for the year’s three Supermoons. The year’s first full moon is today, Monday, January 13. Join me for an enriching year of moon watching. Download your copy of the 2025 full moon schedule. I’m also planning some full-moon write alongs. Let me know if you’d like to join me in February for the first full moon write along.
First Morning of a New Year…
First morning
of a new year.
Walking the dog
at 5 a.m.
Catching snowflakes
In my headlamp beam.
A Poem for the New Year: Act. Don’t Wait.
Act. Don’t Wait.
Life
Live now.
For a limited time.
There’s no future
In waiting.
Stop reading
This poem.
Go out into
The nearest
Field of flowers.
Dance.
Breathe.
Sing.
Howl.
It will be over
Soon enough.
(Too soon.)
So squeeze as
Much juice
As possible
From this big,
Bright orange
Of a day.
Act.
Don’t wait.
4/9/2011
Chasing the Bear
Some days you get the bear. Make sure the bear doesn’t get you.
During my late teens and early twenties, I found myself working odd jobs for my older brother. I wasn’t much help—more of a half-useless knucklehead than anything else—but I think my brother enjoyed having me around. It was our way of spending time together.
My brother has always been an early riser. Before the birds. Before the worms. Most times before the sun. No matter what the day held, he’d wake me up before 5 a.m., always with the same words:
“Time to get the bear, Mikey.”
Though it’s been years since I last worked with my brother, those five words have stayed with me. They’ve become a mantra, especially when I need to push through a tough project, face a challenging day, or simply get out of a rut.
I keep those words written on a small blue sticky note on my office wall. On days when I struggle to gain traction, I glance at that note and hear my brother’s voice:
“Time to get the bear.”
It wasn’t until later that I realized my brother’s command was his take on the old saying, “Some days you get the bear. Some days the bear gets you.” But for him, there was never a choice. You rise before the bear. You outwork the bear. You get the bear. In his world, the bear doesn’t stand a chance.
I’ll admit, there are days when I don’t get the bear. But I never let the bear get me. When I fall short, I come back the next day more determined. That’s a lesson I owe to my brother’s example.
So, let’s go out today and get that bear.
Listen to that Little Voice
How often is that “little voice” inside our head right? How often do we listen to it? Your instinct has been honed by knowledge, experience, and judgment. Trust it.
Postscript: Walking down the street in Madison, Wisconsin, on my way to the CASE Summer Institutes to talk about Generative AI, I passed a man wearing a shirt that said, “Pardon me a moment while I question my decision." Wish I'd been brave enough to ask if I could have photographed his shirt!
Sunflower Peace
Sunflowers remind me to try to live a life of peace from the inside out.
Sunflowers represent hope optimism, and peace. I photographed these sunflowers in a field near Richmond, Illinois. I edited the photo to give it a painted effect using Prisma and I added the word "peace." My goal is to create visual, fun reminders that every day, in any small way, I need to strive for peace from the inside out. As Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, “Peace is every step.”
Sunday Morning, My "Three Feet or So"
Brew tea. Slice radishes. Focusing on my “three feet or so.”
This morning I brewed seven jars of tea - peach, black, and turmeric ginger. Then I sliced radishes to roast later on the grill. I’m concentrating on my “three feet or so,” as Carrie Newcomer sings it.
Experiencing the Art Journey
Experience the artist’s journey.
I’m fortunate to not only experience my life’s journey but also to have a front-row seat to experience Susan’s aka Wired Lotus’ journey. Tomorrow is her first art show. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and check out the amazing artists, one of whom I happen to be related to by marriage. #rakowcenter #eastdundee
Monday Motivation
No cookie. But here’s my fortune or wish for us all this seem. New day. New week. Let’s go.
Happy Marketing Valentine's Day
Happy Marketing Valentine’s Day
Happy Valentine’s Day, hearts, flowers, and chocolates to my marketing and communications colleagues, peers, and friends. Cheers for all the great work you do every day. View all the marketing hearts.
Write a Poem Inspired by the Change of Seasons
Poetry Prompt #1: Write a Poem Inspired by the Changing Seasons
Over the next 30 days, I’ll be sharing a poetry writing prompt a day and trying to follow the prompts myself.
Prompt one: Write a poem inspired by the change of seasons. Share your poems in the comments, if you’d like. And check back later for my poem. Whether you use the prompt or not, remember to keep writing!
My First Book of 2024: Freight Train By Donald Crews - Book Review
Freight Train: My First Book of 2024
Freight Train by Donald Crews is one of my favorite books of all time and my first read of 2024. Freight Train was named one of 1979's Caldecott Honor books. It has been included in Anita Silvey's 100 Best Books for Children and the 2012 "Top Children's Picture Books" list by School Library Journal. And it's on my list of favorite reads and rereads ever. Purchase “Freight Train” at Bookshop.org. (affiliate link)
Sideswiped by Extinction
“Remember that time old tech knocked me out of a new tech job?”
AI is changing industries and creating new jobs while ending old ones. We’re learning and adapting, and this will continue. It’s a tectonic change, like the creation of fire, the printing press, and the internet. Yet, even while new opportunities are created, some companies will refuse to adapt, risking extinction for the sake of short-term comfort. It reminds me of that time a few decades ago when I lost a job powered by new technology to an industry trying desperately to cling to the status quo.
I was an early desktop publishing adopter, at least in my local market. I learned Mac OS in the late 1980s and became proficient with early versions of PageMaker and Quark Express. This opened up opportunities not only in my day job but also as a freelancer. I was young, not yet married, and was completing assignments for dozens of clients virtually around the clock – from restaurant menus to physician practice brochures, auto shop print ads, and foundation newsletters. It was lucrative and a lot of fun. These clients also needed words for their layouts, so I was able to provide them with copywriting services. A double win for me.
One of my best freelance clients was a small ad agency. For more than a year, I finished projects for a variety of the firm’s B2B and B2C accounts. This gig paid better than many of the smaller businesses I worked with. I also liked the owner and the team of designers and account reps.
This relationship lasted for almost a year. One day, the owner took me to lunch and told me he was tired of paying me as a freelancer. He wanted to hire me full-time. The salary he offered was significantly more than I was currently making at my hospital-based marketing job. I said yes. We shook hands. And my career and my life took a dramatic change, though it wasn’t the change I’d expected.
For a few weeks, everything worked out just fine. I was part of a talented team doing interesting work and even helped with a few successful new business pitches. I felt like I was a part of something that would grow. I even enjoyed the Friday ritual when the owner would arrive in the office just before lunchtime to hand that week’s check to each employee.
Then one Friday, he didn’t show up. We waited until the end of the work day before trying to call him. He couldn’t be reached. As I recall, it was almost a week before we saw him again, still with no checks in hand. Soon the company closed and I was out of a job.
Why did this small, but growing business, fail with both ample work and a growing client base? It turns out that the owner was using proceeds from our company to fund another of his businesses – a typesetting firm. Ask ChatGPT when the typesetting industry began to fail and it will tell you the decline began in the mid-20th Century and accelerated in the 1980s and 1990s with the advent of desktop publishing. Indirectly, I was a victim of my success.
As AI adoption accelerates, I think about those companies that try to hold on to legacy services and practices at their peril. It’s happening as I write this at a faster rate and higher level. I’m also confident there will be people and companies applying new AI tools to create miserable outputs and outcomes just like a lot of the bad desktop publishing that came out of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Those who succeed will continue to learn how to apply the tools with a fanatical focus on the audience and its needs at the center of their efforts.
A Wish for Your Week (and Mine, Too)
Wishing you a safe, productive, and fulfilling week.
Wishing you a safe, productive, and fulfilling week.
When our son lived at home, I would write weekly (sometimes daily) notes to him. This post is inspired by one from about 10 years ago that I recently found. Strikes me as good advice as we start a new week. Wishing you a safe, productive, and fulfilling week.