Twelve o'clock in the afternoon strikes. You slip your feet into some shoes and eagerly push open the door. On your walk to the mailbox you feel butterflies in your stomach over the anticipation. You walk to the mailbox and open it to find two letters stamped and addressed to you.

Sure, your friends could text you. Family could send a happy birthday message on Facebook rather than mail a card. There is something beautiful and timeless about the letter though. That someone would take the time to write a handwritten note to you. Long or short to tell you about events in their life is a wonderful thing. Technology is great, but it has made everything so fast and immediate that it seems many do not put in the time and effort anymore. "snail mail" is seen as outdated and mainly used for bills and advertisements. This is so sad. I still love that my grandparents send me a card in the mail for my birthday. I love the surprise of getting mail from family, but especially from friends. To see the "younger generation'" taking the time to write a letter and mail it means a lot.

There was a time when mail was boring and the excitement came when we received and email, but now as times have changed mail is more and more rare, forgotten in the age of texting, phone calls and other advanced forms of communication. I am by no means against innovation, i do, however, believe in not always rushing. I believe in taking the time to write to people, to collect your thoughts and put them on paper. To take the time to address the envelope, place the stamp and seal it shut.

A letter is personal. While both a letter and a text message convey the words of the sender, the letter adds the touch of seeing their handwriting. As simple as this is, it is also touching one step closer to them delivering the message in person.

Now, perhaps, i am partial to the letter because i enjoy writing so much. As a journalism major and an aspiring author i love writing, i love words and i love to see them come alive on the page in front of me. When i write, i am more clearly able to express the emotions, feelings and thoughts that i do not always succeed at expressing in person. This is why i see such beauty in taking the time to write to those you care about. And why i so passionately hate to see it be overlooked. Something as simple as sending someone a little note can brighten their day as they are surprised by a letter. Reconnect with those around you and those you care about. Add a personal touch. Send them a letter!