I’m a writer. I love the feeling of pen to paper. Of putting my thoughts down, and looking back at them later. The same applies in communicating with my friends. I’m always chasing for address updates, trying to ensure I can send a note when the mood strikes or when certain moments throughout the year arise. I’ve made handwritten cards a part of my Mother’s Day routine — it has become an important part of processing my grief and lifting up others on the day to celebrate them.
Are you someone who doesn’t do this often? Letter writing seems to be dying out, but I am all about it as it has been so valuable for me over the years. Here are five reasons why I’ve made sending handwritten cards and notes such a priority.
- It maintains a real connection with the favorite people in our lives. I don’t know if you’re like me, but in spite of living in the same house up until I graduated from high school I’ve moved a lot in the decades since. I’ve lived in several major metro areas and made so many amazing friendships along the way. Even though most of those people I unfortunately rarely get to see, if ever, it’s important to me to maintain those connections which I still hold so near and dear to my heart and cards and letters have played an important role in that.
- It shows your friends and family you really prioritize celebrating the key moments in their lives. Sure social platforms make it easy to send someone a quick message on their birthday or to comment on their post on their anniversary or work milestones, but they start to blend together and, unless super customized, are not always in line with your relationship with the person. I love the process of determining the card that is perfect for the recipient and crafting the perfect message for them.
- It’s easier now to do than ever. If you are a slow writer, have bad handwriting or never have enough stamps on hand when to send cards or letters to friends, you can still do this too! There are many handwritten letter writing service options available to make this as easy as possible.
- It brightens the day of others. Our mailboxes have become rather sad places. Sure, I go to it daily but that doesn’t mean it give great joy. It’s usually filled with people and companies wanting my money or trying to get me to buy something new I almost always do not want. I know I can’t stop smiling those days when I go to pick up the mail and there’s a surprise note from someone. There’s a reason I have a massive stack of all of these in our room — they are too special for me to part with.
- It just feels good. Sending cards and letters are mainly for the recipient but there’s a positive impact to you as the sender as well. Soak that all in, too!
Hopefully I’ve inspired you to dust off one of your under-used pens and send someone a surprise hello. <3
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