A friend from major, who was my neighbor last year

Hey Nicole,
I am glad we got to go to Gloria Steinem together.
You are an awesome friend.  You make a great DoGEE, and are gonna be one amazing engineer.
Thank you for being so great,
Laura <3

Best friends from Birth (wrote and sent this one yesterday, sending today)

Hey Paige ! I just seen your good news on your job. congrats. I hope I get to see you soon. Anyway, just wanted to tell you that I am lucky to have you as my friend:)

Laura.

She answered:
Awh thanks Laura! That's means so much! I miss ya, I hope to see you soon as well !!!!

One of my best friends at Hopkins

Hi Anjani!
I just wanted to tell you how lucky I am to have you in my life. I can always ask you advice, come to you with problems, and you have a solution.  Thank you for being there, thank you for being such a great hugger. And thank you for all the fun we have together :)
I love you !
Laura

Una amiga que conocí en España (Friend I met in Spain)

Querida Tugba!
Te echo de menos.  Quiero decirte que eres una buena persona.  Te admiro.  Gracias por ser parte de mi vida, por escuchar mis problemas, por ser mi amiga :) Espero que nos veamos pronto.
Cuídate!
Te quiero,
Laura

To my sorrority executive board

Hi Elizabeth :)
I am addressing this letter to you, and to exec as whole.
I see that the date party is postponed, and that it is out of your control.  That reminded me of something I already know.  Exec works so hard for Pi Phi.  Little details that never even cross my mind can make or break something.  Your dedication amazes me. So much planning and coordination goes into pretty much everything we do.  It is clear that all the work you do is done with care, love, and Pi Phi values.  I am so proud of our Pi Phi leaders, and our sisterhood as a whole.  I am truly honored to call you all sisters.  I really appreciate all the effort you guys put into our organization.
Thank you so much!!!

PPL,
Laura <3

To my DoGEE BFF

Hey Meghan,
I am sure you knew that this was only a matter of time. I am so freaking happy that in the past year we have become so close.  Sometimes, I feel almost like we are siblings.  We work so well together.  You really help me a lot, not just academically, but with personal things too.  Thank you for being there for me, thank you for laughing at my corny jokes, thank you for being my study buddy, and most importantly, thank you for being a friend.
I love you,
Laura

To My Cousin in Slovakia

Hi Miška,I just wanted to say that I miss you and I love you.  I am so happy that you are a part of my life.  I love looking back at all the memories we have together.  I always thought, and continue to think, that you are really cool. Lots of Hugs, Laura 

To My Best Friend from the Neighborhood

Hola Nori :)
Te extraño muchísimo. I just wanted to thank you for being a part of my life, for being such a good friend, for having such a wonderful smile that brightens my day and a laugh that warms up a room. I will being seeing you for Spring break, as long as you are around then too !
I love you!
Laura  <3

To My Best Friend

Hey Alexandra!
Thank you for being my friend, for being part of my life.  I am so lucky to have you in my life. When I am around you I can say whatever I want, and really be myself.  You are such a good influence on me and so many others in your life.  I love you!
Laura

To My Big

Hey Claire!

I just wanted to tell you that I miss you and I love you. I am so lucky to have you, as someone to ask advice, as a friend, as someone help me with Spanish, and most importantly, as a sister. It makes me so proud that you are trying something new, getting your minor in D.C. 

I hope I get to see you soon, 

Laura

To My Mom

Hi Mommy,
I just wanted to let you know how lucky I am to have you in my life.  You have made me the person I am today.  I hope you have a great day.
Lots of love,
Laura

Old Tiny Buddha Favorite of Mine

"50 Ways to Show Gratitude for the People in Your Life"

I promise it is worth the read.

Source

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”

Source

Why I started

Today, I was browsing through Facebook.  A friend of mine posted an article, "102 Things You Should Really Give Up for Lent."  Being that I always look to give something up that challenges me in some way, I clicked on it.  Truth be told, it was not actually my cup tea. But I did follow up with the link in article's description, and I am quite glad I did.  As a matter of fate (by the Grace of God if you rather), my eyes skipped to #8.