Spreading Light One Note at a Time: The Story Behind the Love Lani Project

This past Mother’s Day, I received an order that somehow felt different from other orders. A customer named Lani requested a custom love letter print for her mom. The words she wrote in the letter were so heartfelt and full of love and gratitude that I felt like I was invited to witness something rare and sacred.

It wasn’t just the letter to her mom that moved me, Lani also wrote a few lines of sweet words to me. I rarely click links in email signatures, but her kindness nudged me to learn more about her. I browsed her LinkedIn profile and noticed an article she was featured in.

That’s how I discovered Love, Lani— a project where Lani writes little notes of encouragement and leaves them out in the world for strangers to find. The moment I read about it, I thought, Yes! This is exactly what I love most about humanity: empathy and kindness.

A card, a letter, a sticky note on a mirror or telephone pole—our words can change the course of someone’s day or even their life as Lani learned from her own journey.

I asked Lani if she would write about her project here on my blog and, lucky for us, she said yes. I’m honored to share her beautiful words below and I hope they inspire you to spread light and love in your own community.

Please note that Lani’s story mentions sexual assault.

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Every day we pass by countless strangers, people with stories we’ll never know. Some may be celebrating new beginnings, promotions, or milestones, while others are simply trying to survive the weight of the day. In a world that often feels chaotic or overwhelming, I believe deeply in the transformative power of love, kindness, and connection.

That belief is what gave life to my Love Lani Project, a simple idea with a profound purpose: to scatter notes of encouragement, hope, and inspiration throughout the city.

These little messages tucked into coffee shop corners, left on park benches, or slipped between books in a library are meant to remind someone that they are seen, that they matter, and that they are loved.

The seeds of this project were planted during one of the darkest chapters of my life. I was battling depression and PTSD following sexual assault.

It felt impossible to see the good in the world around me, let alone feel it. But in my healing journey, I began documenting something small each day; a smile from a stranger, the warmth of sunlight, a kind gesture. I called them my *glimmers*. These moments became lifelines, reminding me that pain and hope can exist side by side.

"I wanted to allow myself to see and feel the light and love that the world and the people in it have to offer," I once wrote in my journal. The act of simply noticing kindness helped me begin to reconnect. The kindness of strangers, sometimes just a smile, started to pierce through the darkness. And that small, but powerful shift sparked a new question in my heart: How can I give back to the community that unknowingly helped me heal?

So, I returned to my journal and reread the notes I had once written to myself; encouragements that had carried me through difficult days. I transcribed those messages onto colorful sticky notes and ended each one with a simple phrase: Love, Lani.

As a survivor, I know the importance of finding reasons to keep going. Every time I'm sad, I buy myself flowers or I write myself little reminders and love letters of why I deserve happiness and how to achieve it. Eventually, I realized those messages weren’t just for me. They were the same words others might need to hear too.

The Love Lani Project is an ongoing act of radical empathy. It's about celebrating the unseen victories of strangers and being a gentle hand during their hidden struggles. It’s about leaving behind sparks of hope that may just find someone when they need it most.

Whether it's… 

"You are loved beyond measure, far and wide, by me and this entire universe. Please know that in every one of your interactions with another human being, you are creating a Butterfly Effect that ripples and shakes this world in its entirety. I promise it matters that you exist. Love, Lani”

or  “Life is too short to not actively and ferociously fight for your happiness by whatever means necessary. Love, Lani”

Each note is a whisper of encouragement from one soul to another. My hope is that they land exactly where they are meant to; offering comfort, reminding someone to keep going, and reassuring them that they are never alone.

In a world that can often feel disconnected, we can still choose to create moments of connection. One note, one message, one act of kindness at a time.

Love, Lani

(Photo of Lani sticking one of her many messages of encouragement to a pole taken by Hali Tauxe at IDS News)

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You can follow along with the Love Lani Project on Instagram at @love.lani.project.

Lani is also an advocate and supporter of the non-profit organization, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). RAINN operates the free 24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org). Consider donating to support their important and life-changing work at give.rainn.org/a/donate.

We made two prints together and 25% of the sale of this The Light Will Return print supports RAINN. This print would be a meaningful gift for anyone navigating the long path to healing from trauma or grief.

We also made this you are worthy of a lasting love print for anyone experiencing heartbreak. 25% of the sale of this print supports Lani and her Love Lani Project. 

I have no idea how I made this connection with Lani within a span of a few weeks, but her words have truly filled my heart, and I hope they bring you extra comfort and love as well.

With love,

Alison Rose

Social media: @alisonrosevintage

Shop: alisonrosevintage.com