It’s just an old green mailbox. But what’s inside can make all the difference. Nestled along a side trail near the James River Park headquarters, this unique find is home to the Dear Richmond journal. We’re honored to serve as the caretakers of this odd little mailbox and to collect the community journals inside every day. Page after page, the journals remind us of the power of connection and the shared human experience. And sometimes, it includes the exact words we need to hear at the right moment.
Some journal entries are about love, hope, and kindness. Others are filled with loss, grief, and loneliness. Some are about new connections formed, while others are about breakups and the loss of a partner. Other journal entries are about moving to a new city and seeking friendships, while others are about leaving Richmond and beginning a new journey. Some journal entries are about the struggle to stay sober, and how returning to the mailbox each day on their hike is a reminder of how many days they’ve gone without a drink. And other pages are simply filled with an inspiring quote, trail observations and sketches, thoughts about the healing power of nature, and gratitude for the park staff who work tirelessly to keep Richmond’s natural places wild and beautiful. Whatever the journal means to the person who finds the mailbox in the woods, it’s up to them to decide. Here are some of the most recent journal entries found inside the old green mailbox:
“Just friends at the river soaking in the sun. Nothing is better.”
“Dear Richmond, thank you for giving me the space to sit with my thoughts and teaching me to be alone with them.”
“Even though my life isn’t perfect, today it is.”
“I’m in good company. The river soothes.”
“Dear Richmond. I appreciate today’s beautiful weather, roaring waters, and the courage I had to explore you. You teach me something new every day.”
“Right now, I’m in an in-between phase. I’m trying to bring in the new, but it’s hard. I came out here to escape the busy city and quiet my mind. I skipped some rocks and climbed out to one of those little islands. I decided to walk barefoot, slipped in the mud, and genuinely laughed for the first time in days.”
“I just lost my parents thousands of miles away. And while I need to go back to what used to be my home, all I want to do is stay here in the life I have built in Richmond. This is a special place. Cherish it and cherish your connections here.”
“Dear Richmond, you can suck sometimes. But I still love you.”
“Whoever needs to read this, don’t give up. You are loved. I know the world can feel dark and lonely and hopeful sometimes. I’ve been there. But just keep going. Life really is beautiful.”
“Wish I could come up with something inspirational to say, but I’m pretty lost right now. Eight-year relationship ended yesterday, and I think it’s because I didn’t pay attention to the little things and spent too much time trying to be perfect. The world and our partners don’t need us to be perfect. They need us to pay attention.:
“These trails aways bring me peace. There is so much nature to explore in this city and this mailbox reminds me of how unique Richmond is. And that there’s hope.”
“If you get confused, listen to the music play.”
“Decided to embark on a mini adventure with a new friend today. Great to create new memories in this short life.”
“Dear Richmond, I love your murky waters.”