The Life in a Letter
In the spirit of the entirety of our culture highlighting fast paced and instant everything, may we kindly tap into the idea of patience and love that a handwritten letter requires. Let us put aside the digitality that consumes us for one special moment, as I ask you to think of the last time you hand wrote someone a card? Pure nostalgia, isn’t it?
There’s a novelty in hand written work, that has been dampened by the effortless integration of touchscreens. The convenience of it all, fiercely painted over the individuality of pen pals and birthday cards. But what if we uncovered that paint to see what we’re missing?
As the pen hits the paper, it’s the beginning of connection. Human connection is arguably one of the most precious energies you can experience. It amplifies your personality, teaches you insurmountable information about the world, and even throws in some lessons here and there. And the decision to write personal handwritten letters back and forth, provides an opportunity to indulge in that special bond.
As you seal up that envelope, there’s intention to connect and it’s really a beautiful thing. Think about how many texts and emails you see in a day on autopilot. Writing is intentional, your originality comes alive in your handwriting, your brain is moving a bit slower to keep up with your pen which leads the details to include intimate moments that are typically overlooked, and finally it’s not for anyone except the one on the receiving end.
When the stamp is glued down, there’s a moment for reflection and appreciation. Letter writing allows us to think outside this digital box and look closely at those in our lives worth talking to. We may scroll past people we have never met daily on social media, but forget the grandmother that lives down the street, our cousin we lost touch with, or the neighbor you spent each summer growing up with. It allows us to look within, to remember who we should be looking to connect with in the world outside of us.
On your walk to the mailbox, there’s a bit of a relief while putting your letter in the mail. There’s no judgment or external expectations that tend to cloud or make us question our creativity, just you, your heart, and your mind on paper. It’s simple, and the only purpose is genuine enjoyment. There’s no views, no followers, it is purely a conversation between two beings. How rare.
When your letter is opened up, there’s an exchange from one heart to another. From an idea in someone’s head to the eyes of the reader, the journey to receive a handwritten letter is the privilege to see a piece of someone's gratitude for you as a person. Whether it’s a thank you, a happy birthday, or a card to catch up, hand written work is a pure treasure draped in mindful consideration that lights up joy in anyone's day.
