I'm bad. My house is under serious construction and, while I wrote a note to last week's Yellow Envelope recipient, I still haven't mailed it. It is sitting in on my kitchen counter, now covered with a thin layer of saw dust. But, come h#!! or high water I will mail it today! Symbolically I'll even place it in the mailbox before mailing this week's recipient her yellow envelope.
The name of the game with the Yellow Envelope Project is better late than never, even the smallest gesture counts, anything is better than nothing, blah, blah, blah. Just do it.
The Yellow Envelope Project is the House of Shine's commitment to recognizing everyday people who brighten their corner of the world by shining. It's the teacher who creates, the neighbor who rejects mediocrity, the teenager who holds himself accountable, a co-worker who helps spread shine, or the waitress who understands the big impact of little things. Each week we dig into our mailbag of nominees (submitted by thoughtful people like you) and we select the recipient for the week. That's what we do.
In exchange, you hopefully agree to spend ten minutes writing a short note of appreciation. Nothing fancy - just, I heard how much of a difference you make in your community and I want to let you know I think it is great! Thank them for shining and then seal your note in an envelope. Ideally you'll send it in a yellow envelope, but we'll settle for a white envelope decorated with yellow markers or stickers. Finally, place "Yellow Envelope Project" in the return address and commit to mailing before the following Saturday. It's all that simple.
This week's recipient was nominated by a college student. If you've ever been away to college, camp, or even an extended business trip, you know what a difference a friendly face can make. Take a look at what he had to say:
"I nominate Delise, because she has one of the most warm, positive personalities that I have ever had the pleasure to encounter. She makes everyone around her feel at ease and comfortable. Also, she has one of the best smiles I have ever seen. She does so much for Washington University in St. Louis. She is so personable and people-centered, that when I first heard about the Yellow Envelope Project, Delise was the first person to come to my mind. She motivates everyone around her to really enjoy what they are doing, and I feel she can do this because she genuinely loves what she does. She is truly an inspiration."
One more thought about Delise. When a young college student gets to interact with someone who is caring, positive, and so clearly a great role model, don't we all win? College aged students are our future. I love the idea that the young man who nominated Delise was so moved by the way she lives her life, that he took time out to submit her name. I think she's rubbing off on him.
Below is her address. Please join me in sending her a yellow envelope.
Delise
Office of Admissions
1 Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
Shining off until tomorrow...