SIGNED SINCERELY

When was the last time you wrote a letter, email or even a text sincerely?

This thought came across as I dusted off some old letters and journals I had 5 years ago. Despite the dust, I was immediately sunk back to those days as I reread those words. Words from the loved ones, friends and even my very own self. It is powerful how you can feel the sincerity through a 2D paper. How much time would I have spent to put those sincere thoughts onto paper? How much time would that person have spent to put such complex thoughts into a handwritten letter?

When was the last time I wrote something where I put in all my effort?

In a day and age where we spend so much time reacting and responding, I wonder how much time do we have left to just pause, linger and think… Not enough time? Is that excuse truly enough to keep us from sending a sincere message instead of a hasty reactive one? What if we all spend at least one more minute before we reply? What if we better articulated our thoughts and expressions before hitting ‘send’?

As a creative, remembering the expression of sincerity is key because our creations and expressions do not lie. In fact, this was the very reason why I feared writing when I was young. I feared that others will think I’m too naive. (I was 10 years old.)

I remember how powerful Anne Frank’s essay has become because of her true sincere journaling. Look at the impact she has even in 2018! Perhaps, this is the reason why I grew so attached to musicians, leaders, or anyone who passionately lived their true colorful lives. They sign their letters, texts, music, and speeches with so much sincerity as if this will be the last. No regrets. No ‘I’ll take that out.. they may not like it.’ There is only ‘hear out my truth that I want to share with you.’

Try the test. Who are the people that you truly admire and respect? Why do they inspire you?

This is why I tend to spend a lot of time over-preparing before I take on any stage or audience. Even when I’m doing similar topics, I know that no stage is ever the same. Plus, the more I put in, the more I get out of it. And that is the magical part of putting in sincerity. I sign it sincerely, just like this letter to you this morning, because I know the true power of that magic.

What about you? What is one thing you will do more sincerely this week?