A friend’s secret letter to Matthew McConaughey captured something people rarely say out loud
Citing how McConaughey is great at everything, his friend of 30 years shared a special trait that defined the celebrity's character and their bond.
Letters often capture what we fail to say out loud; sometimes, they even capture what needs to be penned and remembered for a lifetime. Actor Matthew McConaughey received a secret letter from a special friend recently. Appearing on the Jay Shetty Podcast, in the clip shared on March 15, the host revealed that a friend of 30 years had left a sweet letter for McConaughey. The buddy in question, actor Woody Harrelson, penned a lot of brilliant things for his dear pal, but along with it, he also mentioned something special many people fail to say out loud.
Shetty handed the letter over to McConaughey, suggesting that it would be better if he read it himself. The letter began with appreciation, not just for being a friend but for just existing selflessly and brilliantly. “I admire the way you move through this world,” McConaughey started reading.
He noted some of his characteristics and titles that the world knows him by — “Amazing actor, bestselling author, innovative entrepreneur.” Along with acing these titles, Harrelson also noted how McConaughey was a “first-rate” father, husband, and son.
Above everything else, there was one factor Harrelson had to credit. It was most special to him. It’s also one thing we fail to say out loud, even though we do experience this special gift. Harrelson pointed out one feature — “More than anything, a brilliant philosopher,” he remarked. He noted that it was this very aspect that inspired McConaughey’s entire being. "And it is that philosophy that pervades everything you do. One that intertwines curiosity with poetry," Harrelson wrote.
"From the time I met you nearly 30 years ago, I knew you were my brother. You continue to inspire me to this day." Their bond of humor, life, love, and more has created a friendship that’s intact for life. But the best part was that he inspired, and Harrelson didn’t fail to say it out loud.
And McConaughey's response? A smile that didn't wither and a profound message. "I love the way he loves me." In the bustle of life, we forget to tell our loved ones we love them. We've undoubtedly had people push us and appreciate us, something when we needed it most. A sibling who’s always fighting but never fails to show up, a friend who knows just how to comfort us when life brings us down, a mentor who always has the right things to say.
They deserve to know we’re strengthened because of them. Whether it’s work or personal relationships, appreciating out loud will never feel wrong. Tyler VanderWeele co-authored research on gratitude, and the results pushed him to practice gratitude with his family every day, according to Harvard Health.
The study conducted on 49,275 women with an average age of 79 years included a questionnaire with six gratitude questions that they had to agree or disagree with. The results revealed that those who scored higher in agreement with the statements had a 9% lower risk of dying over the following 4 years as compared to other participants. And it doesn’t apply only to elderly people.
As VanderWeele said, “What's remarkable about gratitude is that just about anyone can practice it.” And that’s why he began the practice with his family. So try it out. Think of that person who makes you feel empowered, and let them know! Out loud! Through a text, over a call, over a coffee or meal, or like Harrelson, through a solid, heartwarming letter.
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