TRUE – TRUː/ = REAL; GENUINE; AUTHENTIC:
BELIEVER – BꞮˈLIːVƏ/ = TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN; TO HAVE FAITH IN; TO HAVE A STRONG BELIEF:
TRUE BELIEVER = A PERSON WHO PROFESSES ABSOLUTE BELIEF IN SOMETHING
When Whitney Saxon started her blog years ago, sharing and talking about the hard parts of being in your 20s, she didn’t realise the significant impact it would have.
Before long, Whitney began to receive emails from women telling her their stories. Confessing or having shame about something they were going through and asking for advice. Over time, she realised how many women were going through the same thing, but felt very alone in their struggles.
The concept of The Letter Project was born, ‘I wanted to create a space where women could not only receive more support, but also give it back to girls who are younger than them. There is so much power in cross-generational wisdom!’
So what is it? At its core, The Letter Project is simple: letters are written to girls around the world who are in need of extra love and support. Since launching in October 2017, more than 5,000 letters to five continents and nine countries have been sent. Each recipient receives 10-15 letters at one time from women all around the world.
Whitney saw an opportunity to make a positive difference in someones life and made it happen. She saw that even though we may feel alone in our struggles, there is always someone there for you. Someone who understands, someone who cares and someone who wants to help. Whitney’s Letter Project is there to show girls and young women everywhere, no matter what you’re going through – you’re not alone.
Meet Whitney Saxon, Lorna Jane True Believer…
Whitney Saxon – True Believer
Describe yourself in 5 words:
Grateful, energetic, empathetic, organized, happy
Who inspires you and why?
My mom! She has more patience than anyone I’ve ever met and always sees the good in people. Her empathy and generosity are truly never ending. I would love to be more like her!
What drives you every day to strive for your goals?
The fact that so many girls are told, daily, that they aren’t good enough. I want to change the message. I want girls to grow into women who are unafraid of being powerful, brave, smart and kind. I want girls to trust they are not being judged for their bodies and are so much more than the sum of their parts. We still have a long way to go as a culture, but I truly believe the tide is turning.
How do you maintain self-belief through challenging times?
Positive self-talk. There is so much power in being able to give yourself a pep talk. When you’re feeling down and discouraged, take five minutes to feel bad for yourself. Cry, journal, let it all out. Then? Treat yourself to a coffee, put your hair in a ponytail and make a list of all of the reasons you should keep going.
Quick fire Favourites:
Book: The Giver by Lois Lowry
Place: Paros, Greece
Food: Cheese!
Drink: Coffee
Tunes: Oh I am all over the map with music! I can’t pick a favourite for sure, but right now I am loving Wild Rivers
Quote: “Keep your face always toward the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.” Walt Whitman
Sound: The lawn being mowed
Instagram Account: I don’t know that I have a favourite!
How do you Move?
I love being outside the most – running, walking, strength workouts, yoga – honestly anything I can take outside is my kind of exercise.
How do you Nourish?
I’m a big believer in remembering that every part of our self is related and we have to nourish our minds, bodies and souls equally. This means, for me, taking time for self-care (reading!), exercising daily, sleeping enough, eating well and going to therapy. I also need time outside and alone to recharge.
How do you Believe?
This is a big question! I believe in so many ways. My faith in Christ impacts everything I do – especially through The Letter Project. Through it, I’ve also learned to believe in myself, believe in love and believe in grace.
If you could share one piece of advice, what would it be?
So often, the world will lead us to believe we should have opinions. But I think the world has enough opinions being shouted all of the time. We’d all be better off having more compassion, empathy and understanding.
What is one lesson that you have learned from the Letter Project?
I’ve learned that people inherently want to do good and to leave a positive mark. But they don’t always know where to start or how to make an impact. If you give people a simple way to make a difference, they’ll most often take it.
What’s next for the Letter Project?
I hope to double our Writer count in 2018, having women sign up from all 50 states (we’re at 48!) and all seven continents. More importantly, though, I hope to never become too wrapped up in growth and numbers and instead always remember that impacting just one girl is why I started this. I’m a big believer in loving your little seasons in life and want to always remember that where we are now is good enough.
Want to get involved? You can sign up to be a Letter Writer, host a Write Night or donate.
To learn more about the Letter Project head to their website or check out Whitney’s blog here.