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.