This week I had the privilege of writing a love letter from a man to his wife of 40 years.

And the content might surprise you.

You would imagine it was a sentimental summary of a lifetime together. And while there were elements of that, the overarching theme was of gentle longing.

You see, marriage (especially after many years), can feel like a well worn slipper, comfortable and familiar. Sometimes there is so much history, so much assumed knowledge, so much said and done that to break the pattern and do something different is a HUGE STEP.

This man’s message to his wife was essentially, “the last 40 years have been great, but I want to show up differently for you. I want to be more intimate, listen better, be more spontaneous and experience life more fully with you.”

When he read the words I wrote summarising his longing and heartfelt testimony, something shifted in him. “Seeing it on the page, I have made a pledge now.  I have to honour it,” he said.

The next time I saw him, he came bounding up to me. Beaming proudly, he told me he had spontaneously taken his wife away for the weekend.

The process of extracting his ideas and preparing the letter actually focussed his attention on what he wanted to do and become for her.

There is power in your words. As you share your story and hopes with another, they become witness to your intentions. The letter becomes a declaration you live into.

Life is short.

If you have something you want to say, if you want to change your pattern and risk shaking things up for a new adventure, then do it.  And if you need a nudge, we can help you express the words so they land as you intend.

Slippers are the shoes you reach for when you come home, because they’re your favourite comfort. But that’s not to say we can’t change them up occasionally.

Learn more about Postscript Letters