Did you know the United States Postal Service designated April National Letter Writing Month in 2001?  They wanted to raise awareness of the importance of writing cards and handwritten letters.  We think it’s a great time to refresh your stationery, update your address book, get out your favorite pen(s) and a few sheets of stamps to encourage you to write some handwritten notes.

Why send a handwritten letter?

While we all love getting texts and emails from our friends and family, there is just something about getting a handwritten note.  You know the feeling when you open your mailbox and you sort through the bills and advertising and then you stumble on a handwritten letter – what do you do?  You find time to sit down and carefully read it.

That’s the power of a handwritten note.

I recently moved to another state.  I had to leave behind a group of friends that meant a lot to me.  One of my best friends set up a lunch date with me and wrote me a handwritten note about our friendship.  The funny thing is that I did the exact same.  While we exchanged our notes, she decided she wanted to read it aloud to me during our lunch.  It was written on beautiful stationery.  As she read this out loud, we were both crying and laughing.  It was so touching to me and when I got home I tucked it away so I could read it again and again once we moved.  A handwritten note is a wonderful way to tell your treasured friends and family what they mean to you.

Who should I write to?

While you have friends and family you can write handwritten notes to, why not consider sending notes to people that have made a difference in your life?  Here are a few examples:

• A coworker who has helped you in your career/job
• A (former) teacher that really impacted you
• Your neighbor who always helps you out
• Write a letter to your children to thank them for something special they’ve done for you

When you really stop and think about it, there are probably a lot of people in your life you can write a letter to.  Why not be inspired by this national month to make an impact in someone’s life?

Happy Letter Writing!

xo,

Jennifer