Well fancy meeting you here.
Not too long ago I unexpectedly found myself with a lot of extra time on my hands. And once I was fully up-to-date on every conspiracy theory, current on the true crime stories, and had almost perfected every TikTok dance… I needed a plan B.
I’d already been drawing/painting/coloring sketchbook after sketchbook with quotes. And then it hit me: there are people like me everywhere. Some people fight their battles as a pack. Others fight alone, gathering their fire from within. I’m usually in that second category.
I kept thinking about how I would’ve felt if something like this randomly found its way to me on a hard day. A tiny sliver of sunlight through the storm clouds. So I made a stack of cards… and instead of leaving them around my town, I mailed them. Because getting real mail hits different.
Fifty states. Fifty cards. Done.
Also, just to answer one burning question: you were selected at random. That’s a good thing. No need to hire a locksmith or a bodyguard. I come in peace. Scouts honor.
FAQ / WTF
Do I know you?
Nope. Not a chance. This is 100% anonymous.
How did you get my address?
I’d love to say I used some advanced top secret algorithm… but the selection process is less flashy. I went state by state (alphabetical), used whitepages, and picked one person per state at random.
Why did you send me this?
I think you can answer that better than I can.
This could go one of a few ways:
- You open it and your jaw hits the floor because it makes perfect sense to you. If that’s you, you can probably skip down to “What do I do with it?”
- You’re a little skeptical, so you shove it in your sock drawer to avoid any bad karma (not that that’s your thing either… but why risk it).
- You roll your eyes and repurpose it as kindling or a coaster. If that’s you, firstly, thank you for your innovation.
But here’s the part I mean: possibly this wasn’t intended for you… but you might know exactly who it’s for. A neighbor. A niece. Your coworker. Your kid. Your brother. If the moment you read it, someone popped into your head… that might be the point.
And if it means nothing to you or anyone you know… that doesn’t automatically mean it landed in your hands by accident. You might just be another “delivery person” like me.
“How do I know?” you ask.
Because there are no coincidences. (Yes. Synchronicity.)
Maybe in seven years you’re packing to move, you find this card in your sock drawer, and it stops you dead in your tracks. What feels cooky today might feel wildly relevant later.
Is this some weird woo-woo religious thing?
These quotes are open to your interpretation. There’s no religious affiliation or implication here. The universe, God, your higher self, angels… a weird lady from the Midwest… all possibilities in between.
And no, I’m not trying to imply I’m supernatural, or psychic, or God, or your great great aunt Martha’s ghost. I just like the idea of signs.
Do all of the cards say the same thing?
Nope. Your quote was chosen just for you.
So what are the odds?
I sent 50 cards total. One person per state. Out of roughly 340 million people in the U.S., that’s a pretty ridiculous long shot. I’m not saying this is winning the lottery… but I am saying you can feel a little bit special.
What do I do with it?
No clue!
Some people open this and immediately know what to do with it. Others feel a bit less certain… maybe even a little confused/alarmed. (No, just because I mailed this to you, I promise I’m not someone you need to be concerned about. Which, ironically, is probably what a bad guy would say… but I promise.)
A few options
- Keep it. Put it somewhere you’ll stumble on it later (sock drawer counts).
- Take a picture of the card, or with the card, and post it. Tell a little about your story. Does this feel inspiring… or are you still wondering if you should be alerting the authorities?
- If the message made you think of someone, pass it on intentionally. Slip it into their things. Or hand it to them and say, “This came to me, but I think it was for you.”
- If none of this resonates and you think the idea is ridiculous… no problem. Next time you’re out and about, take the card with you and leave it somewhere: a grocery store shelf, a bus seat, the office break room, a library book, under a windshield wiper. It’ll find who it’s meant for.
- Brave mode: pick another random person in a different state (a town you’ve never been to), and drop it in the mail. No return address. No names. Just like you got it.
And yes, this could be a very handy coaster. But if you’re willing to humor me… let it keep traveling.
If this hit a nerve
Starting a conversation about mental health, needs, or insecurities is hard. Vulnerability can be scary.
But if you say, “Hey… you will never believe the crazy piece of mail I got today,” it makes the door a little easier to open.
We’ve all heard the stories: “We never knew.” It’s easier to hide behind a happy face than admit you’re not ok. I know this from experience.
So whether you’ve been struggling yourself, or you’re worried about someone you love, use the quote to break the ice and start the conversation.
Quick help (U.S.)
- Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911
If you’re outside the U.S., search “suicide crisis hotline” + your country, or contact local emergency services.
“I was here” (optional)
If you want to take one tiny step further, you can leave a note. Or you can just drop your city and state. Or you can do nothing at all.
DIY note option: link this button to a simple form (Google Forms, Tally, etc.). No login required. No public pressure.
Leave a note
To enable: replace the “#” link with your form URL in index.html.
If you ever want the clickable U.S. map later, you can add it. I recommend waiting until you have enough responses to avoid the “empty map” problem.
One last thing
So whoever you are, wherever you are… next time you get bad news at the dentist, or your toddler and dog join forces to destroy your garbage, or you’re stuck in Friday traffic… glance over at Bob in the minivan and smile.
Because you got picked out of ~340 million people in the U.S.
And Bob didn’t. Winner winner chicken dinner.