Recently, I’ve found myself writing more notes and sending more personalized cards and letters to my friends and family. I am not sure why I have taken to a notepad and pen to express myself lately, but I have found the practice both therapeutic and actually fun. Sending note cards through snail mail is something that we’ve all gotten away from, but lasts longer than an email or text message. Why don’t we do this more often?
I think I may know the reason— in our need to have quick, real time communication, we have thrown traditional forms of the communication out of the window. Why spend $.50 to send a letter when you can open up a quick email in a free account such as Gmail or Hotmail and type a few keystrokes regarding your feelings and interest? Who does anything by mail? We can pay our bills online, send payments to one another online, shop online, and within seconds, send a birthday card to a family member—all without leaving our desks. Who wants to stand in a long line at the post office to buy stamps when we can just sit at the computer and—-VOILA. Instantaneous!
I am not sure why I prefer to utilize traditional snail mail as it were lately, but it’s a trend that I am digging. There is something joyful about putting a pen to paper and writing out your innermost feelings. The personality that is derived by your choice of words or the fluidity of your handwriting speaks volumes and you can actually feel love in the written form. Emails are so static. Notecards reverberate.
Recently, I received two personalized notecards in the mail, one from Jenn at STLCoworking and the other from Paula at Haven House and I must say, it makes me want to do business and support these operations because they reached out to me humanly. There is nothing better than a great personalized email other than an actually handwritten one.
Try it, you just might like it.
I challenge each and every one of you to take some time in your life to write a personalized letter or send a notecard to someone you care for, love, think of, or want to extend an olive branch to. The message this sends transcends anything that can be done electronically.
I will continue to send notecards and letters. Will you be accepting my challenge?
You are the sweetest! Yes – I will take that challenge! I really think a personal note goes a long way. I think it speaks to how much you appreciate the person. Taking the time to hand write your feelings and send them = PRICELESS!
I’m with you…I have a thing for writing and sending cards, letters, etc. It’s much more personal. It does indeed show the heart of where your intentions are coming from. Great post…Great point!
You’re so right. Writing letters is so rare nowadays. I remember when I used to have a pen pal! Hah! The one thing that I also hope doesn’t ever fade away is a postcard. I’ve kept all my postcards over the years..
~Sophia
Fit&FabLiving
Letters, cards, notes, etc are obsolete and it’s just sad. You know I have an address book and I don’t have anyone’s address in it. I never sit down anymore and send notes, cards or letters. I either send it electronically, hit them up on facebook or twitter. Well that is not good and I’m glad I read this blog.
While it doesn’t have to be anything fancy, I am going to Big Lots, General Dollar or somewhere like that and pick up a pack of note pads. I’m going to make a list and get addresses and literaly write them in my address book. Then once a month, I’m going to sit down and write a little note. This is a committment I am making to do. Just like I can sit here and read and respond to blogs, facebook and twitter to people I don’t personally know, I can take the time to write close family and friends.
Thanks for the post. You’ve really inspired me to start up an old trend.
Attorney 2 B- Sometimes the best letters and notes are the ones that are the simplest. I am glad I was able to spark your interest again to write letters!
I admit, I’m as guilty as the next person when it comes to just sending an email and the such. I have to agree though that it means a lot when someone sends a card or a handwritten letter. I have a cedar chest full of the cards and letters I’ve received throughout the years. It will go to my daughter when I pass. I think it tells a history of my life.
Terra, you are so right! The thing about written letters and cards is you can save them and look back and reflect on the content whenever you want to slide down memory lane. Emails get deleted. Letters, when kept, are forever. Thanks for commenting.
I’m a little late to the party but so agree with what you’re saying. Putting words on paper is a lost art but I have great hopes that it will be revived. Terra has a trunkful of cards and letters to leave to her daughters. How utterly romantic!