If you ever find yourself stuck, paralyzed by a blank page or intimidated by a blinking cursor, try this.

At the top of the page, address the note to someone you love. I write mine to my two kiddos.

You'll be surprised at how this little act loosens the pen. You're no longer writing into the void, you're writing a letter. And as you do that, you may even find that the tone of the note subtly becomes kinder and more human.

Once the note is finished, delete the "Dear..." and send it out there.