Why I’m Starting with Kindness Notes: A Personal Story

Introduction

Hi, friends. As we begin this journey with the Nelson Legacy Project, I wanted to take a moment to share why the Kindness Note Drop is our very first project. For me, this isn’t just about leaving notes around town; it’s about something much deeper. This is about creating those little moments that remind us of the power of kindness, even from strangers, and how a few simple words can truly make a difference in someone’s life.

A Story Close to My Heart

There’s a story that’s been with me for years, one that comes to mind every time I think about kindness. It was a day when I was feeling particularly low, dealing with loss and stress, and honestly just struggling to get through it. I was going about my day, trying to push through, when I happened to find a small note that someone had left behind. It wasn’t anything grand — just a few words of encouragement scribbled on a piece of paper. But those words hit me in exactly the way I needed at that moment.

That note was a reminder that even when we feel alone or overwhelmed, there are people out there who care, even if we don’t know their names. I remember holding that note and feeling a warmth that wasn’t there a moment before. It was a small thing, but it changed my day. And I promised myself that one day, I’d find a way to pass on that feeling to others.

Honoring My Mother’s Legacy

This project isn’t just about kindness; it’s about honoring the memory of my mother, Patricia Yell Nelson. She was the kind of person who always went out of her way to lift people up, whether it was through her teaching, her friendship, or just her presence. Growing up, I watched her make everyone feel valued, even in the smallest ways. She showed me that sometimes the simplest acts — a kind word, a gentle smile, a helping hand — can be the most powerful.

Deep down, I’ve always know I wanted to carry forward that legacy. I knew I wanted to do something to spread the kindness she lived every day. The Kindness Note Drop feels like such a perfect start because it’s a way of honoring her spirit by sharing little moments of love and care, just like she did.

The Power of Simple Words

Words have this incredible power to lift us up or, sometimes, bring us down. I believe that leaving kind notes in unexpected places can be a way to plant seeds of hope and joy in the lives of others. We never know what someone else is going through, and we may never see the impact our words have. But knowing that a small note could make someone feel just a bit better, even for a moment — that’s enough for me.

Imagine someone having a hard day, feeling unseen, and stumbling across a note that says, “You matter” or “You’re loved.” I like to think that these notes can remind us all that kindness is still out there and that there are people who care, even if they’re strangers.

Why I’m Inviting You to Join

If you’re reading this, I want you to know that you’re invited to join me in this project. The Kindness Note Drop isn’t just a way to spread kindness; it’s a way to be part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s about coming together as a community to lift each other up, even if we never know the effect we’re having. And, selfishly, it brings me so much joy to think about all the little pieces of hope we’ll be leaving around town.

Thank You for Believing in This with Me

Starting this project is something deeply personal, and having people like you by my side means the world. Thank you for sharing in this dream with me. Thank you for believing in kindness and for helping to bring a bit of light into the world. This journey is just beginning, and I’m so grateful to be taking it with you.

With all my heart,

Debra