After tragedy and loss, moving forward with life takes a commitment to find or create joy, laughter, and love. Here's how:
Hints for Happiness
Remembering is painful. But even as we think about a tragedy like 9/11, sharing the joy of living is possible -- and more important than ever. BHG.com spoke about remembering, recovering, and rebuilding with Leigh Anne Jasheway of Eugene, Oregon, Masters of Public Health and a consultant on stress management for 16 years. Jasheway is author of Don't Get Mad, Get Funny -- A Light-Hearted Approach to Stress Management (Whole Person/Pfeiffer Hamilton Press, 1996), among many other books. Ms. Jasheway offered ideas about finding joy for moms, dads, kids, and families.
1. Every day, do something that reaffirms the beauty and joy of living.
Take time to look around and you'll find plenty of proof that beauty is everywhere. Have your morning cup of coffee in sight of the sunrise, or make it a point to see the sunset. Nature brims with the miracle of life -- get outside and soak it in. Walk through a park listening for birds, watch clouds in a robin's-egg-blue sky, go barefoot in lush grass, skip stones. Stop to smell those roses, and while you're at it, buy some fresh flowers for the house.
2. Do something.
A feeling of helplessness in the face of tragedy or human need and suffering contributes to stress. Activity is therapeutic, and volunteerism is one of the best ways to give activity purpose. In helping others, you help yourself. Build a house for the less fortunate with Habitat for Humanity. Or look to Volunteers of America for many other opportunities to help others. Its programs serve some 300 communities across the country, with more than 30,000 volunteers annually doing all kinds of good, from delivering meals to the elderly to reading mail to residents of nursing homes. Or get active on a smaller scale -- there's a lot to be said for just practicing random acts of kindness. Recent research found that a "joy center" of the brain thrills more to unanticipated delights than to what's expected. So surprise someone with a little gift. The payoff for you is experiencing the joy of giving.
3. Turn off the television and radio news.
Reliving the horror of 9/11 in documentary form can open old wounds. Choose instead to rent a feel-good movie or watch family videos you haven't seen in a while. Or pull out those scrapbooks and albums. Gather everyone around the stereo for an old-fashioned life-affirming radio show. Even just turning up some favorite old tunes can rejuvenate the spirit. Sing along!
4. Get to know your neighbors.
A sense of neighborhood and community increases feelings of security and connectedness. Don't let the month of September become tainted forever, or allow loss and grief to steal your joy. Welcome fall with new neighborhood traditions: Plan a block-party cookout or chili cook-off, organize a pre-holiday cookie exchange, or host a multifamily garage sale. It need not be anything elaborate. Share a batch of cookies with the folks next door or just sit on the front porch talking with the neighbors. Friendships develop in the details of daily living.
5. Laugh.
It really is the best medicine, reducing anxiety, depression, and fear. In fact, studies show that laughter is one of the best ways to let out negative emotions without causing harm. Buy a funny book and chortle away, tell silly knock-knock jokes with the kids, invent a stupid pet trick, or rent a screwball comedy the whole family will enjoy. Grownups can check out Amelie (rated R), the heartwarming and funny French film that had all of France practicing anonymous acts of goodwill and kindness.
6. Start and end the day on a positive note.
Your mother always told you to, and the advice is still great: Count your blessings. When you wake up, start your day with a thankful thought. Ditto at bedtime. If you feel down during the day, actually make a list of the good things in your life. Meditate, sing, practice yoga, light a candle -- find small positive rituals that center you with good thoughts and positive energy as you begin and close the day.
7. Don't allow anger and rage to rule your life.
Misdirected anger isn't healthy. Consciously replace churning emotions with serene thoughts. Think of a particularly tranquil time at the ocean, or imagine yourself in a favorite soothing place. Find healthy ways to let off steam: exercise, make music, garden, paint, write out your thoughts in a journal. If you continue to feel overwhelmed or undermined, you can turn to prayer or professional assistance for help in handling upsetting feelings.
8. Before you get out of bed in the morning, think of something that makes you smile.
Before you even brush your teeth, get your mental and visual focus on something that will warm your heart. Try putting a favorite picture -- hospital photos of your newborns, the brand-new kitten, a perfect moment on a family vacation -- on your bedside table. Look at it first thing in the morning. Starting off your day in a positive frame of mind will set your spiritual metabolism for the rest of the day. Smiles not only exercise muscles that fight frown lines, they actually boost your immune system.
9. Be forgiving.
Forgiveness is an act of the will, an action you can take even when your heart and feelings seem to be lagging behind in bitterness. It might be impossible to forgive actual perpetrators, but you can hope and pray for transformation in them. In your own life, give up grudges and let go of old toxic memories. Reconcile with estranged friends and family members if you can, and commit yourself to giving others the measure of forgiveness you would like extended to you. Don't sweat small grievances.
10. Nurture your family spirit.
We live in a different world now, a world that needs love more than ever. Show your commitment to those you love in word and deed. "I love you" means a lot, and so do the actions that make the words more than greeting-card sentiment. So say it, show it, and hug a lot. Strengthening family ties cultivates stability in your home. See and call out-of-town family and nearby relatives more often. That family feeling can grow well beyond your natural kin.
Monday, March 22, 2010
God Provides
A generous king once ruled in the land of Andhra. Every day two beggars used to come to him for alms and he always gave them food and money.
On receiving the alms one of them, the older one, used to say: "God provides." The other beggar, the younger of the two, would say: "Our king provides."
One day the king gave them more money than usual, whereupon the older man cried out lustily: "God provides." This annoyed the king who thought: "It is I who am feeding him and he keeps saying: 'God provides, God provides'. It is time he learnt who his real benefactor is."
The next day after he had given them alms he asked the beggars to go by a little-used road instead of their usual one.
"I have provided for one of you," he said. "God will provide for the other."
He made sure that the one who always praised him went first. He had ordered that a purse of gold be kept on the road in the beggar's path so that he would find it.
But as the beggar walked down the road he wondered why the king had sent him that way.
"Perhaps he wants me to enjoy the privacy of this road," he thought. "It is indeed a beautiful road and so broad. One can walk with eyes closed." And he closed his eyes. As a result he missed seeing the purse. It was spotted and picked up by the other beggar who was coming behind him.
The next day the king asked the beggars whether they had found anything on the road he had sent them by and he looked meaningfully at the younger man. But the beggar shook his head.."
"It was a beautiful road," he said. "But I did not find anything on it."
"But I did," said the other man. "I found a purse of gold. God provides
Now the king became even more determined to show the older beggar that he was their true benefactor. So while the beggars were going away he called the younger one back and gave him a pumpkin.
The pumpkin had been hollowed out and filled with silver coins. But the beggar did not know that. On the way he sold it to a baniya for a few coins.
The next day the king asked the beggars if anything eventful had happened the previous day, looking meaningfully at the younger beggar.
"Nothing," said the beggar. "Except that I earned a few more coins than usual by selling the pumpkin you had so generously given me."
The king tried hard not to show his dismay.
"And you?" he said to the other beggar. "Did you too earn more than usual?"
"I certainly did," said the beggar. "As I was passing by a baniya's shop he called me and gave me a pumpkin. When I went home and cut it I found that it was full of silver. As I always say, God provides."
— A folktale from Andhra Pradesh
Mandarin Orange Salad
Sweet fruit chunks with a tart red wine vinaigrette make a terrific flavor combination on mixed greens.
Ingredients
* 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
* 1 tablespoon orange juice
* 1 tablespoon olive, canola, or canola-soybean blend
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
* 6 cups mixed greens (such as baby spinach, pea fronds, Bibb lettuce, and/or escarole)
* 1 10.5-ounce can mandarin orange sections (juice pack), drained
* 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
* 1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
Directions
In a screw-top jar combine the vinegar, orange juice, oil, sugar, and mustard. Cover and shake well.
Place greens in a large salad bowl. Pour dressing over salad. Toss gently to coat. Arrange orange sections and raspberries over greens. Sprinkle with almonds. Makes six 1-cup servings.
Chicken-and-Melon-Stuffed Shells
Bring together the fresh taste of melons and the ease of cooking pasta shells for this surprising, light twist on dinner. All the ingredients are available at your local grocery store
Ingredients
* 1/2 of a medium cantaloupe, halved and seeded
* 4 dried jumbo macaroni shells
* 3 ounces chopped cooked chicken breast
* 1/4 cup diced honeydew melon
* 2 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
* 1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
* Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
Directions
Cut the cantaloupe half into thirds; cover and chill two of the wedges. Peel and dice remaining wedge; set aside.
Cook macaroni shells according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain again; set aside.
In a small bowl, combine diced cantaloupe, chicken, honeydew, yogurt, lemon juice, chives, and mustard. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the mixture into each pasta shell. Arrange two filled shells and a chilled cantaloupe wedge on each of two serving dishes. If desired, garnish with thyme sprigs.
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Ingredients:
½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon (120 g) sugar
1 large egg
1+¾ cups (220 g) flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1+¼ sticks (140 g) butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 oz (170 g)semisweet chocolate chips
Sea salt
Method:
1. Cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
2. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well.
3. Add baking soda, baking powder, salt, sifted cocoa powder, and sifted flour and mix well.
4. Add chocolate chips.
5. Place the cookie dough in the refrigerator until next day.
6. Preheat oven to 350 deg F (180 deg C).
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
8. Drop by rounded large spoonfuls of dough (as big as golf balls) onto the cookie sheet.
9. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
10. Bake the chocolate chip cookies until light brown but still soft, about 15 to 20 minutes. Always try with a few cookies to check whether the dough is OK.
11. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then move the cookies to a wire rack.
The best result is obtained if you use chocolate chips made especially for baking. You may also cut chocolate bars into small chips, but these will melt during baking (as on the photo above).
Variations:
You may add nuts, smarties or chopped white chocolate in addition to the chocolate chips.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A Golden Oldie ...
A golden oldie ...
A husband and wife were having dinner at a very fine restaurant when this absolutely stunning young woman comes over to their table, gives the husband a big kiss, then says she’ll see him later and walks away.
The wife glares at her husband and says, “Who the hell was that?”
“Oh,” replies the husband, “she’s my mistress.”
“Well, that’s the last straw,” says the wife. “I’ve had enough, I want a divorce!”
“I can understand that,” replies her husband, “but remember, if we get a divorce it will mean no more shopping trips to Paris, no more wintering in Barbados, no more summers in Tuscany, no more Infiniti or Lexus in the garage, and no more yacht club. But, My Dearest, the decision is yours.”
Just then, a mutual friend enters the restaurant with a gorgeous babe on his arm. “Who’s that woman with Jim?” asks the wife.
“That’s his mistress,” says her husband.
"Ours is prettier," she replies.
A husband and wife were having dinner at a very fine restaurant when this absolutely stunning young woman comes over to their table, gives the husband a big kiss, then says she’ll see him later and walks away.
The wife glares at her husband and says, “Who the hell was that?”
“Oh,” replies the husband, “she’s my mistress.”
“Well, that’s the last straw,” says the wife. “I’ve had enough, I want a divorce!”
“I can understand that,” replies her husband, “but remember, if we get a divorce it will mean no more shopping trips to Paris, no more wintering in Barbados, no more summers in Tuscany, no more Infiniti or Lexus in the garage, and no more yacht club. But, My Dearest, the decision is yours.”
Just then, a mutual friend enters the restaurant with a gorgeous babe on his arm. “Who’s that woman with Jim?” asks the wife.
“That’s his mistress,” says her husband.
"Ours is prettier," she replies.
Letter Writing: Write Formal & Informal Letters & Notes
HOW TO WRITE A LETTER: WRITING PERSONAL & OFFICIAL LETERS & NOTES FOR ALL OCCASIONS.
Writing letters make popular. Letter writing ability is easily acquirable. Knowing how to write letters for all occasions is useful. Writing letters is not difficult. It is easy to learn how to write letters. This is on how to write formal letters, social letters, notes, what to say in private letter writing -writing personal letters.
Writing letters communicate best. Letter writing is joy to loved ones apart. Telephone calls are never enough. They like also to receive, write letters. Personal letters can be re-read. People in love write letters. Writing letters is dreamy. Boys who write letters are popular. Girls love receiving letters. Writing letters get one remembered when not together or telephoning. Family members away like to also to receive, write letters. Friends away like to receive, write letters. Pen friends write letters. Letter writing is communication, essential literacy –and it’s fun.
One writing letters can take one's time to think of all the things that one can not remember when together or telephoning to say. In business writing letters clarify. Personal letters are keepsakes. Some things are said easier by writing letters, some better by not writing letters but notes. Writing letters are pleasing, effective. Notes can be nice. Here is how to write a letter, personal letters.
Letter writing, whether by post, fax, or e-mail falls into three categories. In each letter writing category the approach is different. How to write a letter depends on why one is writing a letter.
… Personal letters are often letters to family members, boyfriends or girlfriends, friends or pen friends -often friendly letters.
… Semiformal letters are often routine letters to e.g., order or return goods, instruct on delivery, or to confirm or request information -acquaintances also sometimes write letters semi-formally.
… Formal letters are often non-routine. Writing a letter formally implies officialdom -most seldom write letters formally.
Letter writing scares many people. Many don't know how to write a letter or note. The following all there is to writing letters.
>>> Writing Personal Letters
To write letters to loved ones, friends away please. They like news about you, personal letters –especially if you write letters interestingly. Write letters cheerfully. Write a letter to cheer up. When you write a letter appreciate, praise, credit them. Write letters as if who you are writing a letter to is there, you are talking: "Oh, this tea's cold! Anyway, I decided to write a letter..."
In writing personal letters, how intimately you write a letter depends on what is acceptable to who you are writing the letter. Unless you know it’s all right, don’t e-mail, fax or post loved ones or friends personal letters at a workplace; it may embarrass, cause problems if others see your letter. Privately communicate letters.
Letter writing is easiest when one is writing personal letters. If you can't think of much to write in your letter other than "Hi!" or "I'm well..." and "How are you?" (which always pleases), don't postpone writing your letter. A glance at a newspaper will show interesting things to write in your letter. When you write a letter do gossip -it's liked in personal letters. Remember this when writing personal letters. Be interesting when you to write a letter.
In letter writing it matters: include a joke or two in personal letters. Loving or funny verses please in personal letters. When you write a letter remember: in personal letters a picture of you delights. In writing letters, if appropriate, drawing a flower, heart, kiss makes personal letters loved. Write letters that ask opinions of persons you write personal letters to, even if it's only "Good, huh?" or "Nice, don't you think?" Such letter writing makes you interesting, popular with those you write personal letters to.
>>> Writing Semiformal Letters and Formal Letters
In writing a letter keep to the point. Letters in these categories are often short letters about personal dealings with businesses, e.g., to instruct a bank to make or cancel a regular payment, or query a return, refund, or a job. They may be long, detailed letters but still simple, easy to write letters. When you write a letter keep a copy.
>> Letters received can be, e.g., asking you to confirm something.
When writing a letter replying to such letters write your contact details at the top right corner of the letter, their address at the top left corner of the letter; add the date, and their letter's reference.
In your letter address them as they have you. Begin the letter by stating their letter's date, e.g., "Thank you for your letter of …."
Continue the letter, in a new paragraph. Be brief, simple, e.g., "This is to confirm that …" End your letter as ended their letter.
>> Letters sent to businesses to complain, request information, apply.
In writing a letter to a business, address, date your letter, state their reference as above. If you know the name of the person you are writing a letter to, begin "Dear Mr./Mrs./Miss./Ms. …" If not, in your letter address the reader as "Dear Sir/Madam" or "Dear Sirs." Ensure to state under it their order/invoice number. Keep your letter simple. When writing business letters, if began 'Dear Mr. ...', end "Yours sincerely"; if 'Dear Sir', "Yours faithfully."
> Letters of complaint are important. Before writing a letter of complaint, if annoyed, cool off -make tea, telephone friends. You are writing a letter to get a desired response -you are less likely to if you write an angry letter. Businesses in writing letters like to appear fair -business letters try, when you write a letter politely.
When you write letters of complaint say what is wanted clearly, simply, e.g., "I have not yet received a refund for … I enclose a copy of the returns-note/receipt. I look forward to hearing from you." Add any enclosures to the letter of complaint. Keep copies.
> Letters requesting information can be personal letters but must be clear. Write a letter simply ask for the information want. In writing letters requesting information on subjects you don't know much about, it helps to end your letter "… and any other details you may deem useful'. Writing letters so brings more information.
> Letters of application for a job or a grant should have wider margins for reader-notes, and bear in mind any closing dates. When you write a letter of application briefly emphasize how you meet the criteria. Say 'available for interview', and do print your name.
>> Letters to officials may need to be long, detailed; but writing letters that are so is easy. You may have to write letters arguing with business or official letters received; or to explain, detail, enclose documents; or write a letter to summon a politician's aid.
Writing letters that are official does not require high literacy. Not high literacy but method involves writing letters that are official.
When you write a letter to deal with letters requesting specific details and documents, in your letter simply respond in the order they are listed. Where business letters or other official letters request details generally, or if you are initiating correspondence by a writing a letter, first draft your letter -it helps in writing a letter.
Letters are easily, best drafted thus: For your letter's rough copy use lined paper. Draft your letter in pencil, leaving every other line blank. Jot down and number the points you will raise in the letter. Then stop working on your letter.
Take a break from writing your letter; do something unrelated to writing a letter. You want to write a letter to make those points. Let your mind 'digest' the points you will raise in your letter.
Later look at your letter again, put other points that occur to you on the blank lines. Re-number the points of your letter as you think logical. But don't hurry up to write a letter, yet. Sleep on it.
Then look at the draft letter, amend as necessary, write your letter.
Begin your letter by stating clearly what you want. End the letter briefly, simply, clearly repeating what you want.
When letter writing ends, enclose copies of any documents in the order of your letter's points -number, list them if they are many.
How to write a letter that is complicated is that easy and simple -that makes seemingly difficult to write letters easy to write letters.
>>> Writing Personal Notes
Unlike writing letters, notes are informal -sometimes important.
> Routine notes may not be important: "Your dinner's in the oven," or to the milkman: "Two bottles today, please."
>> Social etiquette notes that are expected may be important. Many do not write letters to socially invite or let another know that one will attend a party, or to thank another. Instead of writing letters they write social notes -to acquaintances, or strangers. As in letter writing, notes cause impressions to be formed about one.
These brief notes have the same tone as when writing letters informally, but must be courteous and polite. In inviting someone, one example is: "Hi, Nancy.. I'm having my birthday party, on ....., and it'd be so nice if you too could come. Love, Jenny." Another example is: "Dear Mr. & Mrs. ... we are having a house-warming party on ..... and we would love to have you too. Yours, Jo & Joe." In accepting an invitation one example is: "How nice! See you then! Jenny." Another example is: "So kind of you to invite us too -we will both be delighted to attend. Yours, Eric." If you are courteous, polite, recipients will mention you favourably when they write letters, will speak well of you in your social circles.
>> Sympathy notes must be written carefully. These are e.g., get-well notes, sometimes on cards; or, to express condolences to someone who is in mourning -when most do not write a letter but a note.
> A get well note or card, whether to a close relative away and you also write a letter, or on its own, is always more appreciated if one adds a personal touch to it. For example, if to a friend and it is not serious, "Don't take your time about getting well -we haven't finished our chess game yet…"; if to a friend, and it is serious, "I'll pray for your speedy recovery." An example, if it is to someone you hardly know and are sending it as the done-thing in your social or business circles, is: "I will look forward to hearing of your recovery from mutual friends and colleagues."
>In bereavement cases never try to cheer up in a sympathy note with a joke; however well meant, in one's grief it may be deemed unfeeling, inappropriate!.. Leave the comforting to the mourner's loved ones from whom more than a sympathy note is considered appropriate! Be, or appear, sincerely saddened by the loss. Clearly state so: "I am saddened by the news of ...'s death." Say: "I am so sorry to hear of your loss." Show so by emphasizing it, e.g., "… he/she will be greatly missed." Unless a loved one writing a letter too, if you don't attempt to comfort, it will be appreciated.
>> Notes to loved ones matter most. On an anniversary or birthday greeting never be satisfied with what's on the greeting card. Even if to a loved one away and accompanied by a loving letter, always personalize the card with a few words of your own, e.g., "Miss you!" or "Love you!" or "Take care."
The feelings of parents are -from a poem by the Cypriot thinker writer poet teacher the late Orhan Seyfi Ari:
"With us he was, in our nest, only yesterday...
How quickly has he grown wings, like a bird, flown away!"
As in personal letters, it shows that you are not greeting as the done thing -that you care.
Anyone can write a letter. Family/friends away appreciate letters.
Writing letters make popular. Letter writing ability is easily acquirable. Knowing how to write letters for all occasions is useful. Writing letters is not difficult. It is easy to learn how to write letters. This is on how to write formal letters, social letters, notes, what to say in private letter writing -writing personal letters.
Writing letters communicate best. Letter writing is joy to loved ones apart. Telephone calls are never enough. They like also to receive, write letters. Personal letters can be re-read. People in love write letters. Writing letters is dreamy. Boys who write letters are popular. Girls love receiving letters. Writing letters get one remembered when not together or telephoning. Family members away like to also to receive, write letters. Friends away like to receive, write letters. Pen friends write letters. Letter writing is communication, essential literacy –and it’s fun.
One writing letters can take one's time to think of all the things that one can not remember when together or telephoning to say. In business writing letters clarify. Personal letters are keepsakes. Some things are said easier by writing letters, some better by not writing letters but notes. Writing letters are pleasing, effective. Notes can be nice. Here is how to write a letter, personal letters.
Letter writing, whether by post, fax, or e-mail falls into three categories. In each letter writing category the approach is different. How to write a letter depends on why one is writing a letter.
… Personal letters are often letters to family members, boyfriends or girlfriends, friends or pen friends -often friendly letters.
… Semiformal letters are often routine letters to e.g., order or return goods, instruct on delivery, or to confirm or request information -acquaintances also sometimes write letters semi-formally.
… Formal letters are often non-routine. Writing a letter formally implies officialdom -most seldom write letters formally.
Letter writing scares many people. Many don't know how to write a letter or note. The following all there is to writing letters.
>>> Writing Personal Letters
To write letters to loved ones, friends away please. They like news about you, personal letters –especially if you write letters interestingly. Write letters cheerfully. Write a letter to cheer up. When you write a letter appreciate, praise, credit them. Write letters as if who you are writing a letter to is there, you are talking: "Oh, this tea's cold! Anyway, I decided to write a letter..."
In writing personal letters, how intimately you write a letter depends on what is acceptable to who you are writing the letter. Unless you know it’s all right, don’t e-mail, fax or post loved ones or friends personal letters at a workplace; it may embarrass, cause problems if others see your letter. Privately communicate letters.
Letter writing is easiest when one is writing personal letters. If you can't think of much to write in your letter other than "Hi!" or "I'm well..." and "How are you?" (which always pleases), don't postpone writing your letter. A glance at a newspaper will show interesting things to write in your letter. When you write a letter do gossip -it's liked in personal letters. Remember this when writing personal letters. Be interesting when you to write a letter.
In letter writing it matters: include a joke or two in personal letters. Loving or funny verses please in personal letters. When you write a letter remember: in personal letters a picture of you delights. In writing letters, if appropriate, drawing a flower, heart, kiss makes personal letters loved. Write letters that ask opinions of persons you write personal letters to, even if it's only "Good, huh?" or "Nice, don't you think?" Such letter writing makes you interesting, popular with those you write personal letters to.
>>> Writing Semiformal Letters and Formal Letters
In writing a letter keep to the point. Letters in these categories are often short letters about personal dealings with businesses, e.g., to instruct a bank to make or cancel a regular payment, or query a return, refund, or a job. They may be long, detailed letters but still simple, easy to write letters. When you write a letter keep a copy.
>> Letters received can be, e.g., asking you to confirm something.
When writing a letter replying to such letters write your contact details at the top right corner of the letter, their address at the top left corner of the letter; add the date, and their letter's reference.
In your letter address them as they have you. Begin the letter by stating their letter's date, e.g., "Thank you for your letter of …."
Continue the letter, in a new paragraph. Be brief, simple, e.g., "This is to confirm that …" End your letter as ended their letter.
>> Letters sent to businesses to complain, request information, apply.
In writing a letter to a business, address, date your letter, state their reference as above. If you know the name of the person you are writing a letter to, begin "Dear Mr./Mrs./Miss./Ms. …" If not, in your letter address the reader as "Dear Sir/Madam" or "Dear Sirs." Ensure to state under it their order/invoice number. Keep your letter simple. When writing business letters, if began 'Dear Mr. ...', end "Yours sincerely"; if 'Dear Sir', "Yours faithfully."
> Letters of complaint are important. Before writing a letter of complaint, if annoyed, cool off -make tea, telephone friends. You are writing a letter to get a desired response -you are less likely to if you write an angry letter. Businesses in writing letters like to appear fair -business letters try, when you write a letter politely.
When you write letters of complaint say what is wanted clearly, simply, e.g., "I have not yet received a refund for … I enclose a copy of the returns-note/receipt. I look forward to hearing from you." Add any enclosures to the letter of complaint. Keep copies.
> Letters requesting information can be personal letters but must be clear. Write a letter simply ask for the information want. In writing letters requesting information on subjects you don't know much about, it helps to end your letter "… and any other details you may deem useful'. Writing letters so brings more information.
> Letters of application for a job or a grant should have wider margins for reader-notes, and bear in mind any closing dates. When you write a letter of application briefly emphasize how you meet the criteria. Say 'available for interview', and do print your name.
>> Letters to officials may need to be long, detailed; but writing letters that are so is easy. You may have to write letters arguing with business or official letters received; or to explain, detail, enclose documents; or write a letter to summon a politician's aid.
Writing letters that are official does not require high literacy. Not high literacy but method involves writing letters that are official.
When you write a letter to deal with letters requesting specific details and documents, in your letter simply respond in the order they are listed. Where business letters or other official letters request details generally, or if you are initiating correspondence by a writing a letter, first draft your letter -it helps in writing a letter.
Letters are easily, best drafted thus: For your letter's rough copy use lined paper. Draft your letter in pencil, leaving every other line blank. Jot down and number the points you will raise in the letter. Then stop working on your letter.
Take a break from writing your letter; do something unrelated to writing a letter. You want to write a letter to make those points. Let your mind 'digest' the points you will raise in your letter.
Later look at your letter again, put other points that occur to you on the blank lines. Re-number the points of your letter as you think logical. But don't hurry up to write a letter, yet. Sleep on it.
Then look at the draft letter, amend as necessary, write your letter.
Begin your letter by stating clearly what you want. End the letter briefly, simply, clearly repeating what you want.
When letter writing ends, enclose copies of any documents in the order of your letter's points -number, list them if they are many.
How to write a letter that is complicated is that easy and simple -that makes seemingly difficult to write letters easy to write letters.
>>> Writing Personal Notes
Unlike writing letters, notes are informal -sometimes important.
> Routine notes may not be important: "Your dinner's in the oven," or to the milkman: "Two bottles today, please."
>> Social etiquette notes that are expected may be important. Many do not write letters to socially invite or let another know that one will attend a party, or to thank another. Instead of writing letters they write social notes -to acquaintances, or strangers. As in letter writing, notes cause impressions to be formed about one.
These brief notes have the same tone as when writing letters informally, but must be courteous and polite. In inviting someone, one example is: "Hi, Nancy.. I'm having my birthday party, on ....., and it'd be so nice if you too could come. Love, Jenny." Another example is: "Dear Mr. & Mrs. ... we are having a house-warming party on ..... and we would love to have you too. Yours, Jo & Joe." In accepting an invitation one example is: "How nice! See you then! Jenny." Another example is: "So kind of you to invite us too -we will both be delighted to attend. Yours, Eric." If you are courteous, polite, recipients will mention you favourably when they write letters, will speak well of you in your social circles.
>> Sympathy notes must be written carefully. These are e.g., get-well notes, sometimes on cards; or, to express condolences to someone who is in mourning -when most do not write a letter but a note.
> A get well note or card, whether to a close relative away and you also write a letter, or on its own, is always more appreciated if one adds a personal touch to it. For example, if to a friend and it is not serious, "Don't take your time about getting well -we haven't finished our chess game yet…"; if to a friend, and it is serious, "I'll pray for your speedy recovery." An example, if it is to someone you hardly know and are sending it as the done-thing in your social or business circles, is: "I will look forward to hearing of your recovery from mutual friends and colleagues."
>In bereavement cases never try to cheer up in a sympathy note with a joke; however well meant, in one's grief it may be deemed unfeeling, inappropriate!.. Leave the comforting to the mourner's loved ones from whom more than a sympathy note is considered appropriate! Be, or appear, sincerely saddened by the loss. Clearly state so: "I am saddened by the news of ...'s death." Say: "I am so sorry to hear of your loss." Show so by emphasizing it, e.g., "… he/she will be greatly missed." Unless a loved one writing a letter too, if you don't attempt to comfort, it will be appreciated.
>> Notes to loved ones matter most. On an anniversary or birthday greeting never be satisfied with what's on the greeting card. Even if to a loved one away and accompanied by a loving letter, always personalize the card with a few words of your own, e.g., "Miss you!" or "Love you!" or "Take care."
The feelings of parents are -from a poem by the Cypriot thinker writer poet teacher the late Orhan Seyfi Ari:
"With us he was, in our nest, only yesterday...
How quickly has he grown wings, like a bird, flown away!"
As in personal letters, it shows that you are not greeting as the done thing -that you care.
Anyone can write a letter. Family/friends away appreciate letters.
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