Card and Letter-Writing: A Lost Art?
Card and Letter-Writing: A Lost Art?
The Heart’s Way, Imagery and Insights
Dear Reader,
Has card and letter-writing become a lost art? In today’s 2021 world, handwritten cards and letters seem to be becoming a thing of the past. But should card and letter-writing become a lost art, replaced by today’s technology?
Does card and letter-writing still have meaning? Still have purpose? Still have a place in our society? Dear Reader, my answer is unequivocally yes!
Florence Isaacs writes:
“In other centuries, there were no greeting cards, faxes, or phones. People had to write notes and letters to maintain a connection with friends and family. We miss that sense of staying in touch, especially as sociological and other changes seem to have driven us apart.”
Florence Isaacs in Just a Note to Say…The Perfect Words for Every Occasion
The rise of technology in today’s society has the intention of making us more efficient and productive in our work and in our lives. We can connect faster, send messages with a few key strokes and fewer words. We can get things done at lightening speed compared to just a few generations ago.
But what has this done for our relationships with each other, our communication? Yes, we can text and post and update and send a vast array of short-cut phrases or emojis…but what have we lost in the process?
In their book, Love People, Use Things, The Minimalists (Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus) discuss the phrase “giving is living.” They speak of the significance of living your best life through interacting and contributing to others. (For my review of their New York Times Bestselling book, click here: Love People, Use Things.) It seems to me that one of the best ways we can truly interact and contribute to others is through meaningful handwritten communication.
In The Right Words for Any Occasion, the authors write:
“Staying in touch with the important people in our lives is a rewarding but challenging task. Busy, busy, busy. Rush, rush, rush. It’s too easy to lose track of the people you care about. Remember when you were a kid? You and your best friend tied two tin cans together with a string, then stretched it tight. The right words are like that string: They keep you connected to loved ones.”
Various Authors in The Right Words for Any Occasion
A family story
Dear Reader, I’d like to share my family story about communication and Card and Letter-Writing: A Lost Art? It’s really a simple story, but it means the world to me. You see, when it comes to communication and nurturing family and friend relationships through cards and letters, my mother was the glue that held us together. I could not begin to count the number of cards or letters she wrote during her lifetime. Christmas cards, birthday cards, get-well cards, sympathy cards, thinking of you cards, just-because cards. And the letters…filled with news of the family and words of encouragement. Letters with news of the day, special quotes, and genuine concern for others. She wasn’t someone to write just occasionally…she wrote regularly.
My mom wrote to family near and far. She wrote to friends who were just like family. She developed relationships through her cards and letters. She knew the importance and meaning of handwritten cards and letters. And with the advent of email, my brother and I convinced her to give email a try. Her emails were not short and to the point messages such as we see today. They were just as long, if not longer than her handwritten letters! Even with emails, she continued to handwrite letters and cards. She was our family’s glue.
So many people were the recipients of my mother’s card and letter-writing. You should have seen her address book and Christmas card list! I loved her cards and letters. No matter what, she always had time for me. You see, for 23 years I lived in North Carolina and she lived in Michigan. I don’t know how many cards and letters she sent, but I cherish the memories of those times. I did not respond by letter as often as I should have, but she didn’t seem to mind. She just kept sending them. She just kept sending her love. And I felt her love in those cards and letters. I still feel the love thinking about them, even though she is no longer with us.
There is no way that I could match this gift she gave us. But, in her memory, I try to do my best. So I send cards and the occasional letter. And I write about this topic, because it means so much to me.
Why handwritten cards and letters?
Handwritten communication is:
Personal – When you send a card or a letter to someone, you are communicating one-on-one with that person. Your card or letter is written just for them, just from you. There is something important in this relationship. Who are you writing to? What’s the purpose of your communication? You have an opportunity to take the time to craft your words in just the way you intend. Not hurried. Not rushed.
Revealing – Everyone’s handwriting is unique and gives clues as to who you are, your emotions, and your state of being. Is your handwriting bold, precise, formal, informal, quirky, creative?
Self-expressive – With your card and letter-writing you are more free to express yourself. Handwriting can demonstrate an emphasis through different symbols, markings, highlights, and artistic flairs. I remember as a teenager that it was fun to dot my “i’s” with a heart and to write my signature with a certain flourish on the “J.” And what about doodles and pictures? That’s a little difficult to do with a text!
Intentional – Handwriting cards and letters is an intentional act. It takes much longer to write something by hand rather than typing or texting. Slow down and give yourself the beautiful gift of time.
Contemplative – Because it takes longer to handwrite a card or letter than it takes to type or text, it gives you the opportunity to contemplate on the words or phrases that you choose to use.
Sincere – “The feelings conveyed in handwriting are often more beautiful than those conveyed in typing. There’s just something about sitting down with a pen and paper that allows you to get in touch with your true, honest feelings. And, when you can write from your heart it just means so much more to the one receiving it.”
Gini in It’s National Card & Letter Writing Month by DaySpring
A form of giving – Receiving a handwritten card or letter is like receiving a part of that person. They chose the card or stationery, the color of the ink, along with the handwritten message just for you. Also, they chose the stamp and possibly the return address label. Then, they took the time to post it in the mail…not on the internet.
A way to build relationships – “I don’t have a deep friendship with my grandmother. If I called her up on the phone to chat, the call probably wouldn’t last very long. But I can send a letter in the mail! Through letters, I can communicate that I love and care about her, that she is important to me, and that I desire a relationship with her. Over time, consistent letter writing can build up a relationship that is failing or non-existent. I think it is a great solution for strained family relationships.”
Kelly Needham in 10 Reasons to Reclaim the Lost Art of Letter Writing
History – Finding old cards and letters is like taking a glimpse into history. We can learn things not only about the sender but also the receiver.
A stress reliever – “With so much time spent working and staring at screens, it’s important to find outlets that allow us to let go. Much like exercise and meditation, writing offers the opportunity to exercise different parts of our physical and mental states.”
Alexa Erickson in Seven Reasons to Reclaim the Lost Art of Letter Writing by MARTHASTEWART.COM
How do I write a card or letter?
Dear Reader,
It’s not complicated. Here’s how:
Choose the paper or card that you like – It could be beautifully elegant stationery or something as simple as an ordinary piece of notebook paper. If sending a card, choose one that conveys the message and sentiment you desire – either a card that shows your personality or something special for the recipient.
(When choosing cards with particularly meaningful designs and messages, over the years I have often chosen cards by DaySpring, which is a Christian division of Hallmark Cards. DaySpring is celebrating their 50 year anniversary this year. As means of full disclosure, I am an affiliate of DaySpring. This means that I will receive a small sum from DaySpring should you click on the DaySpring links in my blog and make any purchases. With that said, even if I wasn’t a DaySpring affiliate, I would still recommend their products. Below is a link, should you wish to check them out.)
Choose a favorite pen – Some of us are very particular about our writing instruments…and that’s OK!
Find a comfortable spot to write – Find a place that is relaxing and preferably free from distractions.
Write conversationally and genuinely – “You don’t have to be someone who writes easily and regularly to touch and remember someone. You don’t have to be anyone other than yourself. Just speak sincerely and in your own authentic voice. That’s what will make your personal notes special.”
Florence Isaacs in Just a Note to Say…The Perfect Words for Every Occasion
A video to put it all together
In closing
I’ve often found it difficult to find just the “right” way to close a letter or card. In the end, consider who you are writing to and think about how you feel about them. For this blog, I consider that I’m writing to someone who I have positive regard for. We may or may not know each other personally, but I hope there is a building bond of trust between us – with each new article written.
With warm regards,
Jeanine
This post contains nonaffiliate links to additional resources (highlighted in blue above) and an affiliate link to DaySpring