Everyone Needs a Warm Fuzzies Folder…

A few years ago, I was talking with a friend and fellow blogger/speaker, and she was telling me about a note that her son wrote and stuck in her lunch bag (a bit of role reversal!).  She was telling me it was one she would keep.  I shared with her how I have a “Warm Fuzzies Folder” that I keep for just such items.  She informed me that I MUST blog about this folder and the need for everyone to have one. 🙂

An idea from a former boss

I can’t take credit for the idea of the Warm Fuzzies Folder.  When I was a college advisor, a former boss of mine actually encouraged me to make one.  A student that I had advised gave me a nice note.  Their note stated how much they had appreciated me and how much I had encouraged and helped them in their college career.  I shared the note with my boss because that token of gratitude had really made my day and meant a lot to me.

When I showed it to her she said, “You need to put that in a Warm Fuzzies Folder.”  I replied with, “A Warm Fuzzies Folder?  What’s that?”  She then asked me to follow her to her office where she pulled open a desk filing drawer and pulled out a folder labeled “Warm Fuzzies”.  Then she told me that the Warm Fuzzies Folder was a place where she kept items that people had given her that had made her have a warm and fuzzy feeling inside—things that made her happy and smile.  She told me that it was important to keep those items so that I can go back to that folder on hard days for some encouragement. 

I’ve kept a Warm Fuzzies Folder ever since!

I took her advice and have kept a Warm Fuzzies Folder ever since!  Actually, I have a couple now.  I have one for tangible items like cards, notes, and even some old homework assignments from some of my students.  Now, I also have a digital Warm Fuzzies Folder on my computer to save e-mails, digital photos, or even nice comments that people have put on my blog.  I can’t tell you how much it helps to refer back to those on days when I question why I do what I do…teach, blog, etc.  On those days when I get hateful reviews, comments, or complaints, I can go back to those warm fuzzies, get encouraged and remember that I really do make a difference for some people.

Some examples

I get such a boost when I read things that I’ve kept like…

“One of the things that I learned from this course that wasn’t in the book and that was simply from the instructor was that you truly can have it all through faith and trusting in the Lord.  I know you didn’t teach on this, but I learned just by being around you and seeing how happy of a person you are and the stories you tell about your family and all.” –a comment written by one of my college students in their portfolio

“Thank you for your investment in my life, both inside and outside the classroom.  I appreciate you taking the time to get to know me and encourage me to chase my dreams.  You truly have a gift for teaching, and I am privileged to have had you as my teacher.” –a note written on a card given to me at the end of the semester by one of my college students

“Honestly, I couldn’t be happier I subscribed to your posts!!  God bless you sister, God is definitelyyy using you in a mighty way!!!! … I randomly subscribed to your emails online after I fell on your website one day, and since then I’ve been blessed every single time!!!!  May The Holy Spirit continue to inspire you in your writing!!!  God bless you & Hugs from Montreal (let me know if you’re ever around, I’ll invite you to visit my church!!)” –a very sweet email I received from one of my subscribers…this one especially meant a lot to me at the time because I was being bombarded by nasty comments and emails from some pretty hateful people

“Thank you so much. Literally wiping tears away as I’m typing. The “body” of Christ is so beautiful when we help each other. [comment edited/partially withheld for privacy & brevity]…Please know that in the world of data and craziness of the internet, social media, blah, blah, blah… I found your words of encouragement. What you do matters, so thank you for finding your place of service. Take care sister.” -an email I received from a reader after I wrote some scripture-based prayers that they had requested

Warm Fuzzies help to focus on the positive

Those were just a few examples of many that I have kept that have brought me, and continue to bring me, joy along with many other notes, emails, cards, and pictures from students, friends, family, my husband and kids, and others (like the sweet girl from MailChimp that I mentioned here).  These items in my Warm Fuzzies Folder help me to stay focused on the positive, especially when it’s hard to do so at times.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Psalm 105:5 tells us to “remember” the wonders God has done, and Psalm 103:2 tells us to bless the Lord and “forget not” all his benefits.  God wants us to remember the good things.  As I’ve mentioned before, if we are being told to “remember” and “forget not”, then apparently it is possible to forget.

“Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced” Psalm 105:5 (NIV)

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” Psalm 103:2 (ESV)

I think that’s why a Warm Fuzzies Folder can be so beneficial because it can serve as a tangible reminder of good things that others have said and done for us.  We should keep these things as a reminder so that we won’t forget.  Then we should refer back to them in times when we need reminding of happy moments or that we DO matter and that we DO make a difference.

Take Some Practical Steps to Make a Warm Fuzzies Folder:

• First, make a physical file folder labeled “Warm Fuzzies” to keep physical items such as notes, cards, or pictures.

I suppose to some, the name “warm fuzzies folder” might seem a little too mushy or sappy to keep in your desk. So, maybe instead call it something like “Happy Thoughts” or “Encouragement” or something a little less fluffy sounding! 😉 Start saving items to fill it up.  Whenever you receive an item that gives you warm fuzzies, is encouraging, or shows appreciation, hold onto it instead of tossing it out, and put it into your Warm Fuzzies Folder.

• Next, make a digital file folder labeled “Warm Fuzzies” to save emails or digital photos.

Make sure to save these happy items too instead of deleting them.  If need be, cut and paste them into a document to save and put into the folder.

• Then, if and when you are ever having a tough day, pull out or open the folder and read through the contents to encourage yourself and relive some of those warm fuzzy moments.

Anytime you feel discouraged, unappreciated, or question why you do what you do or if you’re even making a difference, use those tangible reminders.

May you have MANY warm fuzzies, and may you always remember that you are loved, you matter, and you do make a difference! 

What are some ways you remember YOUR warm fuzzies?  Share them with us by leaving a comment below.

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If you have benefited from this post or if you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward and share this post with them via the sharing links below! “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) 

*Update: Originally posted 3/1/2016