Start Building Your List of Fifty-Two

Let's go over the practical steps to build your list, release expectations, and embrace the vulnerability and joy in expressing gratitude and appreciation.

For many, the idea of reaching out to fifty-two people seems overwhelming. "I don't know fifty-two people," is a response I’ve received. What might actually be meant is that finding fifty-two people in our life with whom we feel comfortable being vulnerable seems daunting.

Release Your Expectations

Expressing appreciation and gratitude can indeed make us feel vulnerable, particularly when we carry expectations of how our messages should be received. If we're attached to the idea that our words need to evoke a specific response, the fear of potential disappointment can be intimidating.

Release Your Fear Of Judgement

There's also the concern of appearing too intense, too passionate, or simply too much. When these doubts creep in, I’ll remind myself of the emotional legacy I want to leave behind. At the end of my life, facing the question "Did I love well?" I want to respond with unwavering certainty. I'd prefer to risk being seen as too much than to regret not expressing my feelings at all.

Start Your List Now, Not Later

Creating your list now serves as both inspiration and lays down a roadmap for your journey ahead. The names on your list are not set in stone; expect it to evolve. Starting this process early ignites inspiration and brings fond memories of those individuals to the forefront of your mind—moments and sentiments you're eager to share.

I recommend keeping a single repository for these thoughts, whether it be a notebook you carry with you or a digital note on your phone, to jot them down as they come to you.

Guided List Building

• Prepare Your Tools: Grab a piece of paper and a pen. Handwriting is believed by some studies to enhance creativity and idea generation more effectively than typing.

• Set a Timer: Allocate 10 minutes for this activity.

• Brainstorm Freely: Write down any names that come to mind without overthinking. Remember, listing someone's name now doesn't mean they'll be on the final list. The goal is to transfer all thoughts onto paper. Decisions come later.

• Reflect on Relationships: Consider individuals who have impacted your life, those you think of often but might not regularly contact, people who have shaped your identity, and those who inspire you.

• Use the Trigger List: If you find yourself running out of names, refer to the list below to jog your memory:

  • Family Members

  • Friends (close, old, and new)

  • Spouse/Partner

  • Colleagues/Co-workers

  • Medical Providers (doctors, therapists)

  • Acquaintances (neighbors, parents of your children's friends)

  • Teachers (yours or your child's)

  • Mentors/Advisors

  • Service Members (mail carriers, local business owners)

  • Childhood Friends

  • College Roommates

  • Former Teachers or Professors

  • Community Leaders

  • Authors of impactful books

  • Artists or Musicians you admire

  • Elders in your community

  • Role models

  • People you've lost touch with

  • Public Servants (firefighters, police officers)

  • Individuals you've had misunderstandings with

  • Distant relatives

  • Those undergoing tough times

  • Individuals celebrating milestones

  • Former co-workers

  • Influential bosses or managers

  • People you met while traveling

This exercise is designed to help you create a comprehensive and meaningful list of recipients for your letters.

Clean It Up

Don't worry if your list doesn't reach 52 names right away—it will expand over time. On the flip side, if you find yourself with more than 52 people, that's fantastic! It gives you plenty of choices for your weekly recipient. Feel free to transfer your list to a digital document, print it out, or rewrite it neatly on fresh paper—whatever approach best keeps you connected and engaged with your list of recipients.