This time of year can be hard. The sun leaves us so early, yet somehow the days can feel longer than ever. I know there can be times when you struggle to find a reason to smile. And while tiny little gestures and kind words won’t fix everything, I believe they can go a long way, taking you out of the dark for a moment, reminding you that you matter, and helping get you through the rest of that day or hour or never-ending minute. They can help you smile.

Sprout’s ironically grumpy face, without fail, helps me smile. I want to keep finding ways to share that with others.

If someone in your life is having a hard time right now, whether they’re struggling from depression or anxiety, going through difficult situation in life, or just in need of an extra little reason to smile, we want to send them a card (shown below) to let them know they are awesome and matter.

And please remember that you are someone in your life and that reminding yourself that you are awesome and matter is so important. So if you are struggling or need a tiny little to smile, please please please send a card to yourself and know that you are not alone (pls see below for resources)

Update (3/12): We are no longer accepting card requests for The Sunshine Project 2022 and are in the process of getting cards in the mail. While we don't have any more cards to send at this time, we encourage you to find little ways to tell people in your lives, or even a stranger, something kind to help brighten their day. And most importantly, please be kind to yourselves - you are amazing and loved and much stronger than you realize, and Team Puppers is cheering you on from afar!

*If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or other mental health issues, please know you are not alone and deserve help. Click here for resources near you. If you need immediate help, please text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Textline or call 800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

This project is self-funded. If it resonates with you and you’re interested in supporting, we ask that you consider making a small donation to our fundraising page for To Write Love on Her Arms, our favorite mental health organization.