In this fast-paced American culture, amidst classes, jobs, workouts, applying for internships, and trying to stay grounded, many people have forgotten about the art of writing letters and the natural, heartfelt qualities of the craft. Sitting down and focusing all of your attention on one person for the amount of time it takes you to write a letter, and writing solely for them? That’s an incredible gift. You have the potential to create something your loved ones can revisit and treasure. Letters can show the evolution of your friendships with people.
Writing and mailing letters is a practice that has been used for centuries, and there is a history to it. The act of putting pen to paper is an ancient custom, one that I don't think we should lose in this hurried lifestyle many of us are accustomed to. Do you remember getting letters in the mail when you were younger—the excitement that goes along with receiving birthday invitations from friends and birthday cards from grandparents? I'm begging you to bring those emotions back. When you write to people, chances are that someone will respond, and it will bring you joy, as it always has.
If you're struggling to think of who to write to, know that there's a wealth of people who would love to receive a letter from you. You can write to your best friends, your favorite professor, your grandparents, your little cousin, the kids you babysit, friends at different schools, or someone who has taught you something valuable. Write a note to someone in your life who you appreciate. If you’re interested in writing more letters, you can apply to be matched with a pen pal from The Happsters. Watch this TED Talk featuring Hannah Brencher, an advocate for writing love letters to strangers. Each day, she gets handfuls of letters from people requesting love letters from strangers. If you sign up for the email list on her website, More Love Letters, you will receive an email every two weeks with individuals' stories, asking for help to get through tough times.
While letter writing is an art that requires few supplies, it is still very rewarding for both the giver and the receiver. Read this article, which cites a study that found that "Expressive writing has been linked with improved mood, well-being, stress levels and depressive symptoms, as well as more physical benefits of lower blood pressure, improved lung and liver functioning." Writing letters also provides more surprising benefits. If for no other reason than to reap these benefits, write a letter to someone today.
Finally, I have some simple tips to make writing letters easier and more meaningful.
- Keep stationery, pens, and stamps nearby so you’ll get into the habit and be more likely to write. Shop for new stationery at Crane, Etsy, and Kate Spade. Need an added incentive to write beautiful letters? Check out this old-fashioned letter stamp from Oh Hello Friend.
- Set aside time each week to write one or two letters. Turn off Netflix, and write for 20 minutes.
- Include the date on your letter, at the top or at the bottom. For people who save cards, it’s nice to know when you wrote the letter.
- Something I like to do in my letters is include a memory from an experience I shared with that person or explain how they’ve influenced me. You can also include a picture of the two of you!
There is something special about receiving a handwritten letter. Receiving letters or handmade cards evokes an entirely different feeling than getting a nicely written email or text. It’s like the words are somehow different than when received in another medium. Remember this the next time you have something to tell a friend, or a friend’s birthday is coming up. Write it down instead of typing it out. I guarantee you they will appreciate it and you more than if you send them a Facebook message or text. With each letter that you write and mail or hand to someone, you are starting a domino effect.
