SNAIL MAIL
When was the last time you wrote to someone? No, not in a text or email, but real paper mail. When was the last time you picked up your pen, wrote someone a note, stuck it in an envelope with a stamp and let it off into the world? For most people, it has been a while. For me, it was just the other day and I am planning on writing a few this afternoon! I absolutely love sending snail mail! In fact, I have six reasons why I love it- and your loved ones will love it too!
1 | Personal Connection
Personal connection is number one on the list for a reason! Letters are written to connect and share with others. It is a very personal act to be physically writing out your words to give to another person- especially in our technology-based society. Relationships are an important part of our mental health and writing letters helps keep the relationship strong! I have sent letters to loved ones that live in the same city as me and ones that live across the globe. No matter how far away people are, writing and reading that letter brings a special connection between people.
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2 | Slow down
We live in a fast-paced world. Do you ever send a text or email and keep checking for a reply? Feel rushed and wonder why someone hasn’t gotten back to you yet and when they finally will? I have unfortunately felt the same way. Sending handwritten letters forces you to slow down. I mean, it is called snail mail! The whole process of physically writing a letter will slow you down, but it also slows your mind down. You will send your letter out into the world where it will have its own adventure before reaching your loved one! It is a fun waiting game thinking of when your letter will reach its final destination and be read! I have heard back from so many loved ones that the letter came just when they needed it most- which reminds me to trust the timing of the universe.
3 | Showing You Care
Yes, there are countless ways to show someone you care. Snail mail just feels… special. The letter does not even have to be long, but the intent of going out of your way to send it brings so much extra love along with your note. It is simple to send a quick text or to call someone on your morning commute. However, physically writing a note to someone is very personal and rare nowadays that the thought put into the letter truly comes pouring out. It really is not a lot of work to send a card- just a lot of thought!
4 | Nice Surprise
My mailbox is typically filled with: advertisements, bills, and things meant for the previous resident. Somedays the mailbox is even empty. Finding a letter from a loved one is such a lovely surprise in my sad little box! As soon as I see a personal letter my face lights up! I have the letter in my hand while I walk back inside wondering what is inside! Before even opening up the letter, I can feel the love inside waiting for me. All of this and I have not even started reading yet! After I get home I can finally rip open the letter and truly enjoy the personal connection.
5 | Keepsake
Don’t you love it when you get a sweet text message and find yourself thinking of it- or even rereading it? Maybe there is an uplifting conversation you had with a loved one you keep replaying your mind to relive those lovely emotions. A physical card makes your sweet words into a beautiful keepsake. Around the holidays it is a common practice to display cards from other wishing us well. But, this does not have to be specific to holiday cards! We can hang up that awesome note on the fridge, attach it to your bulletin board
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6 | Creative outlet
Sending cards is a work of art! Think of the paper and envelope as your fresh canvas! There is a lot of freedom to express yourself in so many different ways with snail mail! From the words you are writing to the way you are writing them, to any other additional touches you might want to add! Maybe some stickers, a watercolor picture, or any other way you want to express yourself- no limits! You can buy plain white cards
WHAT TO SAY
You can say whatever you would like in a letter! There does not need to be a special occasion such as a birthday to send something. You can send a letter to someone just to say you are thinking of them, miss them, or are happy your lives crossed paths! Life has taken me on a crazy journey- as I am sure is true for most of us. There have been times when I have written people I haven’t seen or talked to in years. After the letter we were able to reconnect- no matter the time or distance. Talk about that personal connection!
WHO TO WRITE
Don’t know who to send a letter to? There are so many wonderful projects and organizations so you can write letters to people you have never met in person. There are organizations for you to write words of encouragement to people having a tough time or find a pen pal across the globe! If there is a cause or group of people you would especially like to connect with do not be afraid to do a little research. You might be surprised at the number of people enjoying the benefits of snail mail!
I came across an amazing organization, Girls Love Mail, that sends letters to women who have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer. They go over absolutely everything you would need to know in their FAQ section, have a free stationary you can download, plus you can sign up to join their community and would get to read the responses from letter recipients!
SMALL ACT WITH A LOT OF IMPACT
Cards are an amazing way to connect with others. I have tried to put into words just how special snail mail is, but am still not sure I was able to get the point across. I get so much enjoyment from writing the letters and receiving them!
How do you feel about sending mail? Is there a special cause or organization that you write to? If you haven’t written a letter in a while try it out and let me know how it goes! Please comment below and tell me what you think of my article and any thoughts about bringing back snail mail! If you know someone who could benefit from this article, please show you care and share the bear! Be sure to sign up for my emails and follow on social media to get the most of the positive world of Brightside Bear!
