Here is a challenge for you. Put the phone down! Pick up a pen and a piece of paper and hand write a note to your family and friends.

Can you recall how you felt when you received a letter or card in the mail? The digital world may make communicating quicker – fulfilling a sense of spontaneity. Emojis may be an efficient way of expression. Texts messages, likes and hearts feel good to be sure. Do you feel that same when you open the card or personal letter? Is it a deeper “feel good?”

Does sitting down and slowing down to read a handwritten note make you feel closer? Does the feeling last longer or become more memorable?

What do you do with all those cards and letters? Box them and save them to read another day? Display them?

Handwriting sends a message that you took time, slowed down and were thoughtful when forming words into a meaningful message. It says “you care.”

Let’s try this in 2024….

• Handwrite a note a letter. Here are some tips on how to write a meaningful note
  • Use a pen that feels good in your hand with a tip that is just right when it moves across the page.
  • Use beautiful stationery or a beautiful notecard/greeting card.
  • You can always write a draft in digital form first until you learn to slow down, gather your thoughts and proceed to write in confidence without fear of misspelling, poor grammar, or misguided thoughts.
• Save the cards and notes that have been sent to you. Pull them out to reread on rainy days.
• Display this special cards (birthdays, best wishes, holiday greetings).

I leave you with this challenge and also an enjoyable read about a couple who really knew the art of keeping in touch when both were apart and during difficult times. https://historyfacts.com/famous-figures/fact/john-and-abigail-adams-exchanged-more-than-1100-letters/

After all, it is more than a greeting card or letter. Happy New Year.