Summary
The intention behind People Spread Love's notes of love is to sit in empathy for one another. When you request love for someone, you are doing your part to spread love! Use your instincts, and do not hesitate to contact our PSL team. We are here to serve you.
This is a great question.
Ever since we began People Spread Love (PSL) in 2015, we knew there was something to it. We all need connection, especially when life’s challenges face us.
Here is a guide we wanted to share with the community on navigating when you ask yourself: “how do you know when to submit love for someone?”
When we grieve, it’s a journey.
Grief is a long road and can appear different for so many. When we lose someone we love, generally we’ve been given a great deal of attention around that grieving process shortly after the loss. Perhaps someone brings over some food, invites you to go for a walk, offers to watch your dog, water your plants, text message you, and comment on your social media posts to acknowledge the grief. The #1 phrase you often hear is: “let me know what I can do.”
The trouble is that the attention is in the beginning, but it often tapers off as time passes. PSL advises for Love for the Grieving to be a month after the loss at the earliest. We leave up our “Who Needs Love” list for an entire year or if they are requested to be pulled down sooner. When our volunteers write to those that need love they often write to every single person on the list and what’s important to realize is that the love can trickle in. When we trickle in those notes of love it can mean so much to that recipient.
Depression can hold on tight.
And sometimes depression holds on so tight that you can’t breathe. When we feel that depression takes over our lives, we feel alone in that; we feel hopeless and often helpless. When someone acknowledges that pain can make you feel less lonely, it can perhaps jolt you onto a path of hope and perhaps a clear way to turn things around.
When we acknowledge the pain of another, we can change the world.
Love and Gratitude go a long way.
When we show our gratitude for someone, we see them. Acknowledgment of them being who they are is enough. No one needs to prove their worthiness, just being themselves is enough! When a recipient receives notes of love from people they don’t know (perfect strangers), it is a whisper that says: “I see you. Thank you.”
In closing, the intention behind PSL’s notes of love is to sit in empathy for one another. When we flex our empathy muscles, we get stronger in how we show up for others. You will know when the right time is for them to receive this love; use your instincts, and do not hesitate to contact the PSL team if you have questions for us. We want to help you, and we want you to be confident in spreading love through People Spread Love. This is a community-led organization. Let us spread the love with you!
When you request love for someone, you are doing your part to spread love!
All requesters remain anonymous.