You guys will remember that one of the highlights of my 2015 was participating in The Love Notes Project this October: a three-week project that invites individuals to send and receive little bits of love through the mail-the real mail. You are paired with a partner and each Sunday you receive a writing prompt, which you respond to on a postcard of your choosing and send to your partner by Friday that week.

I am honored that Love Notes creator, Jennifer Belthoff consented to speak with me about her project and today I am so excited to share that interview with you. Enjoy!

I totally love Love Notes. Tell me the story behind it.

I love that you love Love Notes as it is so much fun to host! The idea was born out of my appreciation for the handwritten word and a desire to have a project that was easy and attainable for anyone to participate in. I was seeing a lot of creative projects online that involved painting or mixed media but that wasn’t my forte. I am a writer. Writing is my art. I wanted a project where someone like me felt comfortable participating.

The idea rumbled in my head for a while as I struggled to figure out what this project could look like. One night I was telling Dustin about my desire to connect with people, to have individuals share handwritten words, and to do something that was easy and attainable for anyone. He mentioned the magical word: postcards.

A postcard was perfect for what I wanted to create. The small writing space is not intimidating and there is already artwork on the front so no worries about creating something. Plus, postcards have the ability to bring joy to all hands it passes through on its journey to the recipient.   Yes, postcards!

And so the Love Notes Postcard Project was born.

One of the reasons that great ideas never come to fruition is because of fear. I know this is something I struggle with. Were there any fears during the creation of the Love Notes project?

I think whenever we risk with our hearts there is always fear because we are risking something that means a lot to us. My biggest fear with this project was that no one would sign up. I mean really, who is going to sign up to send a postcard to a total stranger? But, if we do not risk we never know and I am a firm believer in taking that risk.    

I am fascinated by individuals who have an idea and then go and do the work. What did you have to do and what challenges did you overcome?

To bring this idea to fruition I had to figure out a way to invite and encourage individuals to send three postcards to a total stranger. The idea seemed farfetched but I fully believed in it and knew I had to give it a try. I searched the internet to find the easiest way for people to sign up and then I utilized my blog and Facebook as a way to reach out and invite people to participate.

One of the biggest challenges I face is sending out the initial addresses to each partner. This has to be done manually but I do enjoy the process because it is so much fun to look and see where everyone is writing from.  

There is another round of Love Notes coming up right? I’m excited. How can individuals participate?

The next round begins January 10th. To participate all you need to do is click here and fill out the form by January 8^th. I will then contact you with your partner info and on the 10^th you will receive the first writing prompt.

Anything that you would like to add?

The life that this project has taken on is beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of. There are individuals participating from all over the world and some people even create their very own postcards which are little works of art. Previous partners continue to write to one another, others get together to create postcards, and friendships have been developed. All of this makes my heart smile wide!

What is your favorite quote and why?

Hmm, really good question as I have so many. For this moment I would have to go with this one by Brené Brown:

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”

 This quote resonates deeply with me because I have learned that in order for us to connect with others we need to share our heart and let others see our vulnerable side. We grow when we go to the edge of our comfort zone and continue to step forward. This project would never have been possible had I not been willing to be vulnerable.

And finally, how do you “enjoy life?”

For me life is most enjoyed when I am with those I love, outdoors in the sunshine, soaking in a good book on my little front porch, running, or riding my bicycle. I love to be active and capture my adventures with my camera.

Thank you so much, Jennifer!

Jennifer can be found “seeking out hearts, finding feathers, and sending love notes along the way” at jenniferbelthoff.com. You can view previous postcards that have been created by checking out #lovenotejb on Instagram or going over to the Love Notes Facebook Group.  And don’t forget to sign up for the next round beginning January 10th in April.