Maybe this makes me sound old, but I can remember when letters, rather than text/email/DMs, were the default method of communication. Maybe letters are linked to the nostalgia of childhood, but I love them. It can be so enjoyable to sit down and write a letter to someone with a real pen and paper. But it’s also amazing to receive them. It’s like the little spike of excitement when you get a parcel, but without the budget impacts, you know what I’m saying.
Today, I’d like to make the case for writing more letters to your loved ones. In these crazy pandemic times, when we are often reduce to socialising/working/learning/relaxing on screen, we need pixel-free connection. Writing a letter is a simple way to connect with others, while simultaneously grounding yourself in the present moment.
So, why write letters?
I like to think of letters as a gift. It’s something you make yourself, taking time to put your thoughts and expressions onto paper physically. You package it up (albeit in only an envelope) and you gift it to them via the postman. The recipient gets the excitement of physically receiving something and can enjoy what you have to say in a leisurely and pleasurable way. Just think back to how you felt the last time you got a letter that wasn’t a bill or a notice of road works. Exactly!
Writing is also good for you. Taking time to write can be a grounding experience. You step away from the rush of life for a moment to write. I found some fascinating research around type versus writing and our brains. Essentially, we can type faster than our brains can form or fully process ideas. Hand writing is the opposite, we can think faster than we write. This has the effect of helping us process our thoughts and emotions more thoroughly by writing. This is why journalling can be such a great mindfulness tool.
That’s cool, but what should I write about?
Literally anything. A letter is simply a conversation in ink. Imagine the person you’re writing to, and what you would like to say to them in person. Perhaps there’s a special occasion you’re writing to them about, which can form the body of your letter, but it doesn’t have to be only for those rare times.
Letters can be good for expressing appreciation, especially if you might feel a little shy about saying it in person. With careful thought, it might also be a good way to express more complex feelings. Just don’t go breaking up with someone with a letter, people. Some things just need to be done in person.
How to actually write the darn thing
I love good stationary, and it really makes your letter a gift to use pretty paper. You could pick a card or even write on coloured card stock if you prefer. I really love these William Morris fold and post papers, but there is plenty around in the stationary world. Go mad! In terms of pens, I enjoy writing with fine-liners because they dry quickly and have a smooth dark ink. I’m a left-hander, so quick drying ink is a must!
Make yourself a cuppa and sit down to compose. Think about why you’re writing and to who. While writing lends itself to more formal styles, don’t feel you have to start ‘Dear…’ and end ‘yours sincerely’. Write authentically. My one tip would be to avoid filling a letter with questions. When it comes down to it, letters are really about informing, since any response to questions will be necessarily delayed. I also find it less satisfying to read a letter which asks me for lots of info and doesn’t tell me anything about how the writer is going!
Hopefully these little tips encourage you to reach out in hard copy to your nearest and dearest. It’s a lovely little gift you can give anyone whose street address you know!
