One Million Lovely Letters, 5 years old.

(Some of the hundreds of replies I’ve received over the past 5 years)

Hi Everyone!

On February 3rd 2013, I had planned to take an overdose. I was very poorly with m.e and my depression had hit an almighty low and I just didn’t feel like I had the strength to get through. In that moment I found my letters, I asked if anyone needed reminding of how incredible they are and a girl called Natt did. And overnight, 200 people contacted me. Since that day, I’ve written over 4000 letters. I now have a team of seven volunteers who keep the project going, chipping away at the letter requests in my inbox which currently totals over 10,000. To Christine, Hannah, Patricia, Natasha, Kerry, Alyssa and Bronwen – I’m forever grateful to each and everyone of you and I’m so proud to have you as part of One Million Lovely Letters. Each letter is somebody’s worst day and it has been an absolute privledge getting to write to each person, the letters in the picture are just a few of the many replies I’ve received over the years. These contain some of the most incredible stories of hope, resilience and strength and they have become my lighthouse, just like the whole project is. Whenever I feel at sea, whenever the darkness creeps in which it often does – the project gives me light. And as I’m breaking my office down and it’s going into its next phase (it’s a really exciting phase I promise & I’ll let you know super soon!) I sat and surrounded myself with these letters, these people, these stories and thought about what the project does for me and continues to do for people that experience it. It reminds you of your strength and makes you realise that however dark that storm gets you are never, ever in it alone. One Million Lovely Letters, may you forever and ever be my lighthouse – I’m gunna keep writing letters until my hands fall off, I promise.

In December of last year, we welcomed a new babe into our gang. Her name is Dotty, she is 3 months and after a rocky start is doing incredibly! She’s a real gem but has the squeal of a fire alarm and likes to use it liberally. Dylan is two and a half now, she is wild, spirited, sweet and kind is a sucker for a dress with a tulle skirt but only if it’s accompanied by leopard print leggings, she’s a girl after my own heart and she makes our lives magic (and full of mischief).

I’m attempting to set up a Patreon as we speak so anybody who offers there support will now have a place to contribute to the running of the project in return for rewards and an insight into the project and my little world if they want too!

I’m really excited for what this year has to offer and I’m so grateful you’ve all stuck around to see us into our 5th Birthday. It’s been an absolute rollercoaster, a wonderful, wonderful rollercoaster and I’m so grateful to each and every one of you.

Hope you’re having a gorgeous weekend,

Jodi xx