The US Post Office has officially declared April National Card and Letter Writing Month. How divine to have a month dedicated to putting pen to paper. Yes social media is great to instantly connect, but there is something special about slowing down and writing someone a letter.

Writing a letter requires you to take a moment and pause. You cannot just rush through it like you can a text message or email. There is intention in the words you put down on paper.

When it arrives in the recipients mailbox it is a ray of sunshine carrying with it joy and happiness. What makes a letter magical is the ability to hold it in your hand and see the penmanship and doodles of the person who wrote to you. It is a treasure that you can enjoy over and over again.

When I was in high school I sought out a pen pal through an ad in Teen Magazine. I had to beg my mom to send in the $5 to have me matched up with someone. When I received the first letter I was beyond excited. The envelope decorated with stickers and smiley faces and inside a letter documenting someones life. We wrote to each other often for a couple of years sharing our heart aches and happy moments. A friendship blossomed from afar long before internet communication was a thing. I still have those letters tucked away in my parents attic and when I look at them they still make me smile.

There are many different types of letters you can write and people you can write to. What matters most is that you take the time to share your heart in words. It does not have to be perfect. There can be cross outs and misspelling. As you write a new part of the story may unearth or your words may take you in a completely different direction. Give yourself permission to explore on the page wherever your words want to go.

Not sure where to get started? Here are a couple of options:

Write to a friend or family member sharing your favorite memory of the two of you together.
Write to your significant other reminiscing about the day you first met and the moment you knew it was love.
Share a joke with a child.
Let a co-worker know how much you appreciate them.
Compliment a business or service that you enjoy.
Reach out to someone who inspires you and let them know why.
Send your best friend the top ten reasons why you adore him or her.
Write to a grandparent and let them know what they have taught you.
Write a letter of encouragement to someone who is going through a hard time. Let them know that you are there for them.
Delight a stranger by leaving an encouraging note in a public place for someone to find.

Your words have power and the ability to bring joy. Share your words and feelings with those around you. Let them know how much they mean to you. I guarantee your letter will change their day.

Does it feel to overwhelming to begin with a letter? I invite you to join the Love Notes Postcard Project. All you need is (1) something to write with, (2) something to write on and (3) three stamps. I will hand-select your pen pal and provides you with writing prompts for each of the three rounds. We begin on April 8th.

you may also like