The “I Am” Project

I invented this thing I’m calling the “I Am” Project. I was feeling sad one night when I found myself writing a list of (mostly) lovely things, putting the words “I am” before each item. And by the time I finished, I felt a little better. Reading the list sent pleasant shivers down my spine.

This is what I wrote.

I know that I’m not actually “river rocks, silver moths, your favorite song, and poetic words,” but the images they spark in my mind are comforting. And it’s fun to try to embody them. “New adventures,” for example: they take your breath away and make your heart thump against your rib cage and make your legs itch to run. When you’re on one, you can’t stop smiling and you gaze at everything with wonder.

If any of you are having a bad day, I’d recommend trying this. It may seem a bit dumb, but trust me, it works. Just take out a crisp, clean sheet of paper, grab a pen, and begin writing. If you don’t know what to say, think of things that are lovely and mysterious and make you happy or would make beautiful pictures. Some ideas: bonfire, stars, forest, music, paintbrushes, etc. Adding adjectives before them make them sound even more wonderful.

I love you guys and I hope you’re doing OK. You’re all so important to me.