Spreading Peace

Hello!

Over the first few months of this pandemic I felt unsure of what change I could make. Other than staying home, there didn't seem to be much else I, a teen, could do to help. But one day I heard from a friend saying they had begun writing letters to their neighbors to bring them some joy.I thought this was a fun, simple, and helpful way that I could bring my community some pockets of peace. I began with just a letter to a family member and then it grew. I wrote more and more letters and now I write at least ten a week.

I have found this to be very motivating to me as well as those receiving my letters. I write these letters according to each current change in the world effecting my neighbors. Below I have quoted an example of one letter. This letter speaks about how stress is normal and helpful tips on how we can distress even in these harsh times.

"My name is Jasmine Hernandez and I am a volunteer in your neighborhood looking to share a message of peace. Amid the current state of the world, we are all in need of some comfort and hope. I am writing to you to share a positive message.

Millions of people today are suffering from great stress and anxiety. This website offers to us some practical principles that can help you to deal better with stress and perhaps even reduce it. The most helpful advice I have taken away from this site brings out that daily anxieties are a part of life but to try to live one day at a time..."

I am still on this mission of sharing positive messages with my community. I am very excited to learn even more ways that I can help and hope to reach 100 letters sent by the end of August.

Thanks so much for reading and I hope this can inspire you to take action in some way as well!

In peace,

Jasmine Hernandez