Handwriting is a lost art. Its use has declined, especially over the past decade. It isn't necessary for us to write much anymore. Our to-do lists can be kept on our phones. Paperwork is often submitted online. Notes are typed for classes. Emails and text messages are conveniently sent in seconds. The need to physicaly write is not as strong as it once was.
Yet I still love handwritten notes and find myself writing things by hand more than I type. Handwritten notes are more memorable. I can definitely remember more of what I've handwritten than what I've typed. And especially as fewer things are handwritten, it becomes a novelty. There is a distinct happiness when you find a handwritten card or letter in your mailbox. It stands out more than the texts and emails that flood our inboxes.
Handwritten notes also tend to be more thoughtful. We can fire off a text message quickly without a second thought. In all honesty, most texts are sent while we are multitasking. The person on the other end of the message is not given our full attention. Handwritten letters take more time and are more likely to capture our full attention. You have to think through your words and choose them carefully since you can't just hit the backspace button.
Finally, I love handwritten letters because they are tangible. They are a physical representation of thought and emotion. In a world where many things are digital, it is good to be able to hold something in your hand. Discovering an old handwritten letter in your desk drawer is more uplifting than rediscovering a screenshotted text on your phone.
If ever write something for you by hand, you should know that I care a whole lot. And if you write a note by hand, you should know that you'll brighten someone's day.
