Jennifer’s “year of love” touched hearts and transformed her life
After the death of her father, Jennifer Kramer was inspired to write a post on social media to a different person every day for a year, hoping to touch their hearts…but she never expected it would transform her!
Drawing a deep sigh, 47-year-old Jennifer Kramer sat in her Chicago home on New Year’s Day 2018, trying to come up with a resolution that she might actually keep. Suddenly, an article she’d recently read about doing kind things for others sprang to mind. That’s a good idea, she smiled.
As she mulled it over, Jennifer reflected back on her father’s funeral. She’d been so touched by the heartfelt sentiments loved ones shared at the service and wished her dad could have heard them when he was alive. “Wouldn’t it be great if we told each other those loving things while we still have the chance?” Jennifer uttered, and a sparkle came to her eye. That’s it! I will make this a year of love!
A daily mission
“Sharing love every day has changed me— now I really see people’s hearts”
That day, Jennifer announced her intention on Facebook with a post that read: I will publicly acknowledge someone on social media every day for 365 days. # yearoflove. And Jennifer wrote her first “love letter” to her Aunt Rose, who was about to undergo major surgery, telling her how much she loved and admired her for everything from her cooking to her ability to overcome challenges. In the coming days, Jennifer went on Facebook and Instagram to thank friends, family and co-workers for brightening her world. Each recipient was touched— especially when the posts garnered hundreds of likes, shares and more sweet, encouraging comments like, I love her too! As the weeks passed, Jennifer began to acknowledge people outside of her immediate circle who touched her life and heart… even strangers. There was the waitress, who after Jennifer shared her desire to learn Spanish, gave her a lesson over lunch. And the kind man who changed her car battery. Jennifer even wrote a letter of love to a homeless man named Anthony, who always greeted her with a smile on her way to work. The post triggered an outpouring of generosity from people wanting to help him. One person sent a new coat, others money. “I’m just so grateful,” Anthony told her.
And by end of the year, Jennifer’s heart soared. “We just have to look for it and love appears,” she told a friend. “And sharing it helps others look for it in their lives too.”
The power of change
Wanting to keep the love going, Jennifer launched a website (Yearofloveproject.com), where others can sign up to learn how to do their own year of love. “I set out to teach others how important sharing love is, but it actually ended up changing me,” Jennifer smiles. “My relationships are stronger, and I’m a more open, loving person. I’ve learned to really see people’s hearts. My intent was to show others love for one year, but I’ve come to realize that every year can be a # yearoflove!” — Diane Nichols