I’ll cut right to it. Oliver Burkeman is a journalist and the author of a book that has profoundly impacted my life. When I first listened to the audio version of Four Thousand Weeks, something clicked. I can’t say why exactly—the information, while beautifully presented, wasn’t novel. The truth was already there, buried inside. Perhaps it simply took the right prophet to unearth it.

So I sent him an E-Mail. I expressed my gratitude for aiding me with my paradigm shift in regards to how I treat time, wished him well and didn't think much off it as I sent it off. But not even 2 days later, I notice something in my inbox:

Thank you so much for this lovely email Toby – I hugely appreciate it! I know from experience that it can be a huge and almost absurd revelation when you realise that doing more of what you want, and having more fun, actually helps other people anyway, and helps you get through the unappetizing chores as well. There really isn't a downside…

With warm wishes and thanks again for your note – 

Oliver 

I felt especially joyful as in the footer underneath his newsletters he states that he unfortunately can't reply to most messages. I immediately felt this warm feeling of gratitude for how great it is to live in a time like ours! How amazing is it that in theory you could get a reply from anyone in the world, with no limit to their status? Will you have a harder time getting a reply from Richard Branson? Likely. But the possibility exists.

So write that person you respect! Just try. Chances are they won't even see it. But then again, maybe they will. Whatever the outcome, it never hurt to make this world just a little bit kinder than it was yesterday. Thank you.