Why Letter Writing
Exhibit A
I was in a doctor’s office today, one of many I have sat in after my accident, and I sat across from two women not on their phones. I was surprised by this. Naturally, we began chatting away, having nothing else to distract us. The older woman kept commenting on how my generation was so disconnected, always on their phones, not wanting to work, or do anything outside of computer screens. The young woman to her left agreed saying, “Yeah, I spend way too much time on my phone.” I commented, “But you aren’t on it right now, so that’s a win!” She replied, “That’s because it is charging over there.” We laughed. Yet the conversation stayed with me. The ease of living on our phones takes us away from connecting with others, exchanging smiles, greetings, the very things that make us human.
Exhibit B
A friend recommended the book “The Correspondence” by Virginia Evans. As the title suggests, the book is just that, a collection of the main character, Sybil Van Antwerp's correspondence. It wasn’t an exciting book per se, but it was deeply moving. Something about it being strictly Sybil’s correspondence made it intimate and intrinsically human. I sat pondering the book long after I finished it. I felt grief yet gratitude for Sybil. In a modern world where pen and ink are slowly being forgotten, she clung to her correspondence for life. She taught me to admit my wrongs. Make amends. Write the letter. Seek to help others in any little way. Love deeply. Take the trip. Send the postcard. Because, in her words, “my life is full of the mundane and the miraculous.”
Exhibit C
Every day, walking to the mail box, the young woman dreaded what she would find. More bills? Junk mail? Magazines and advertisements trying to woo her into spending more money. Until one day, a letter caught her eye. The first thing that stood out to her was the handwriting, her name was written in someone’s script. It felt sacred as she picked it up. Turning it over, she saw a beautiful sticker decorating the front of the card; something inside her warmed. Tenderly, she opened the letter and saw a beautiful picture. Tears filled her eyes as she read the contents of the card. Someone was thinking of her. Someone had carefully and thoughtfully put pen to paper, formed words, crafted art that was made just for her. The clouds parted, and the sun shone. Hope filled her heart, and a spark entered her eyes as she turned to enter the house. She was not alone. She was not forgotten. Someone had cared enough to remind her of that in the mail.
WHY LETTER WRITING?
“Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company.”
– Lord Byron
In a world where it is easy to check on someone’s Instagram status to see how they are doing or send an instant text, letter writing seems old-fashioned, even somewhat rebellious. A beautiful resistance, if you will, to the ever-increasing pace of life. A fight to hold onto our humanity and love. An invitation to embrace the anticipation of waiting for a letter response. So much care and consideration go into one simple letter. From the card, to its contents, and decoration, every part is love.
Letter writing is a form of therapy and generosity. It is a gift of time, a labor of love, a timeless wink.
WAYS TO GET STARTED
If you are feeling inspired to write a letter but don’t know where to start, here are some things we recommend.
Select a day of the week when you set aside a moment to sit down and write a letter. Get a cup of tea, pull out some paper, take a few deep breaths, and dive into your letter-writing ritual! I like to write Sunday evenings. Feel free to join me!
Purchase stationery or some cards. You can hop over to our shop to view our seasonal collections!
I personally have a letter-writing drawer. In it, I collect cards, envelopes, stickers, calligraphy pens, quotes, stamps, wax seals, and little things I can include in the mail. It is a great sense of satisfaction to open my drawer and artistically put together a card for someone I am thinking of.
Write someone!
This can be anyone. Not sure who to start with? Write a long-distance friend, a thank you to your barista, a letter to your grandparents, or someone who has been a mentor in your life. In the words of dear Sybil,
“I believe one ought to be precise with communication. Remember words, especially those written, are immortal. Sometimes, Caroline, the easiest in road is a thank you.”
Things to say:
Thank them for the role they have played in your life. If you can think of specific examples or stories, that is even better!
Ask questions to keep the conversation going such as, “what is your favorite ___"?” “How did you celebrate [this holiday or season] as a kid?” “What are you most looking forward to in the next month?” “What is something that made you cry and something that made you laugh recently?” The options are endless. But asking questions is key if you would like a response.
Add some fun items to your card! Print an article you recently read that made you think of them. Press a flower. Share your favorite tea. Throw in a sticker or a photo. A scripture card, coloring page, or a drawing you worked on. Be creative!
Stamp, seal, and place it in your mailbox!
Repeat!
WHO TO WRITE?
You purchased cards, stickers, and stamps, but you’re still not sure who to write to. What do you do? Well, I am so happy you asked! If you are looking for a pen pal, we have got you covered! Click on this form, and we will partner you with another individual looking to flex their writing muscles.
Looking for even more writing opportunities? Check out this lovely organization called “The World Needs More Love Letters”. They organize monthly letter recipients, often people going through very challenging times. You can join people from around the world in sending love letters! The site also has many good resources to enhance your letter-writing skills.
Let’s make the world a brighter place, one card at a time.
Happy Writing Friends!
Love, Sarah
