A note or letter in the mail is especially cherished now because it is so rare. Phone calls, texts and emails are the norm, but receiving a hand written card, note or letter from a loved one is special and memorable. It’s a keepsake that we can reread and something physical that we can hold. When family and friends live far away this becomes even more meaningful- this note or letter is a piece of them.
But, as much as you may want to- it just seems so hard – a skill we don’t often exercise. Plus we want this to be special and extraordinary even. We rarely write with pen and paper anymore, given we type on keyboards (just like I am doing) and the blank page can seem overwhelming and starting (even if we have the will) can be difficult. Letter writing may seem – a lost art.
I love sending and receiving little notes, although I do find the start challenging at times. Here are things that help me craft meaningful letters and notes and I hope they help you too;
- What is the recipient interested in? Are they interested in art, hiking, gardening or something else? When did you last engage with one of their interests? If it’s art, perhaps you can discuss an exhibition you went to or want to go to. If its hiking, perhaps talk about a recent hike you went on or a hiking trail you’ve heard about.
- What was the recipient excited about the last time you met, spoke or emailed? You can ask a few follow up questions.
- Is there a shared memory that springs to mind when you think of the recipient? Perhaps you can reminisce about the memory.
- Has the recipient taught you a skill or encouraged you to try a new activity/hobby that you enjoy. You can discuss how this is going and also what you’re working on and thank them for having taught you that skill or encouraging you to take up the activity.
- Is there anything new that you’ve done or learned? Perhaps you went away on holiday in the last 4 weeks or you’ve managed to germinate tomato seeds in early spring indoors to be ready for planting when summer arrives?
These are simple suggestions. The main takeaway though is to not overthink it. The simple act of knowing someone they love cared enough to put pen to paper and post a note or letter is what the recipient will treasure most. That alone will make the note extraordinary.
Now – what are you waiting for? Think of someone you haven’t written to for a long time or someone who’d love getting a note in the mail – be it your mum, dad, gran, great uncle or cousin and start writing now. You’ll enjoy the warm feeling you get once you’ve posted it – a surprise in the mail for the recipient. Writing extraordinary notes and letters are now within reach.