The Lost Art of Writing Letters

Dear Lovely Reader,

I am writing to you today to share my concern over a very important matter. What happened to the hand written letter?

With all the electronic ways of communication, the traditional letter is forgotten, or worse, laughed at with name calling and eye rolls. Since we can communicate almost instantaneously, why would we want to use snail mail?

I like electronic communication. In fact, one of my friends and I became close because we were able to communicate easily via text (and email and messenger and hangouts), but sometimes I wonder what happened to the art of letter writing. Don’t you love when you open the mailbox and find a little card or note from a friend?

After speaking with others, I found I am not the only one who feels this way. We all love receiving letters. Yet, when we vow to start writing letters to each other, it never gets past two or three before we quit. I am just as guilty when it comes to not writing back. Apparently, we are not as fond of writing the letters as we are receiving them.

It certainly takes more effort to write a letter. Not only do you have to think about what to write, you also have to find paper, find a pen, determine if the pen works, find another pen, write the letter, get an envelope, search for an address, address the envelope, buy a stamp, put it in the mail.

Whew!

It seems exhausting to think about everything when I could just click on my intended recipient’s name to send a message. Why go through all the trouble?

Because it is a lost art.

Because we rely on electronic communications so heavily, it makes it more special to receive a letter in the mail.

When I am talking about a letter, I don’t mean one of those generic, computer-printed Christmas letters you sometimes receive in cards (which are nice in their own way), but a real hand-written on stationary (or even plain paper) letter sent just for you.

Words have a certain beauty when written by hand and it provides lasting memories for the recipient. I kept all the cards I received when my father passed away, and I’m glad I did because among them was a card from my grandmother, who passed away shortly after. Having her words written in her handwriting is one of my most cherished possessions. 

So, I challenge you to write to someone, anyone. Not an email or instant message, but a real letter. Go to the trouble of finding everything you need to send it off. I think you will find it a positive experience for you and you will likely make someone’s day.

Until next time…

Jerri

P.S. I wish I could hand write letters to everyone in my email community, but I can’t. I do send letters to your inbox at least once a week and love it when you write back. Join me!