5 Reasons Why...

You Should Write Letters

     Dear Reader,

I am here today to speak with you on a subject most dear to my heart......Letter Writing! I love receiving anything in the mail - even if it's junk mail - the thrill of seeing my name in print on an envelope takes me back to another time! A time when letters and telegrams were a part of everyday life. Today we communicate with emails and text messages and while I'm not completely knocking out those conveniences, I do think we are missing out on things that only writing gives us. So here are some reasons why I think we should write more letters.

#1 Letters are Extra Special

It is a well known fact that letters are much rarer than a text or email, making a missive extra special. Another well known fact is that writing letters take time; time you have to carve out of your day to sit down and write out your thoughts for another person on a piece of paper in comprehensive sentences. Time is a rare commodity in today's society, which means that the sender cared enough about you to give some of his or her precious time to you and that makes you feel loved! And you have to admit, it's so much more fun than email! I've written and received letters totally in Old English, shared poetry (mine and others), and been uplifted and encouraged countless times.

#2 Patience is a Virtue

There is a reason it's called Snail Mail! And yet in this age of impatience, with the short attention spans and instant gratification, the waiting and eager anticipation of a letter is good for us. Also, it gives us more time to find new things to say or talk about in your next letter. (I have trouble finding things to talk about in emails if they come too quickly).

#3 Maintaining Contact with People Who Live Far Away

For as long as I can remember, my grandmother has written Katherine and I letters. It was a wonderful way to communicate since my grandparents didn't get into technology till a couple years ago. Now we have a mixture of letters and email,  but I still cherish every letter I have and receive. For some people who don't use computers or smart phones, letters are the best and sometimes only way to converse. I have an Uncle who doesn't email or text and I only talk to him about once a year,  so I sent him a letter the other day. It's a way I can let him know I'm thinking of him. If you have a grandmother or grandfather,  I am sure they would love to get a letter from you saying you were thinking of them and not just a thank you note when you receive a gift. Tell them what you're up to and ask them about their life happenings. I have a long list of questions to send my Grandmom about her family history that I need to send off soon!

#4 The Legacy of Love Letters

We always hear stories or read in books where love-lorn couples haunt the post office waiting for the reply to their passionate love letters. Those same letters are read and re-read and wrapped in ribbon and secreted away in perfumed floral boxes, later to be discovered by their children and grandchildren in the attic. What is our generation going to pass down? Text messages and emoji's? Just think of Captain Wentworth's letter to Anne Eliot and Mr. Darcy's letter to Lizzie and be inspired! I know several people who began their relationship writing letters and I think it's beautiful and plan to do the same!

#5 More Time = More Thought = More Encouraging

As I mentioned above, writing a letter requires more thought than a text or email. Have you ever sent off a hasty text and then saw a HUGE mistake? Or an email and then thought that maybe you shouldn't have said that and then stressed about it all week? Not with letters! You have TIME with a letter to thoughtfully consider your words and those words same words could have a big impact on the recipient! Over the past 2 years we have had the opportunity to write letters to some friends who have been going through the proverbial wringer. We have grown much closer and even though we were the ones who were supposed to be encouraging them, we always ended up being encouraged! Yesterday, I heard a story about a man who was dealing with a deep depression and a friend suggested that he think of one person who had had a profound effect in his life and write them a thank you note. He thought about it and wrote one to his grade-school teacher who instilled in him the love of reading. He received a reply from his teacher thanking him for his letter and saying that though she had taught for over 20 years, his note of gratitude was the first one she had received from any of her students! The man was so taken aback that he decided to write another letter and another and soon he was no longer depressed! Isn't that neat??? WRITE, PEOPLE!!!!

#6 Save a Dying Art

I honestly believe that handwriting is a dying art; letters keep it alive! If you think letters aren't worth saving, think of all the famous letters that have had an impact on our history. The letters the apostles sent to the early churches. The letter written from the Alamo by William B. Travis, the commander of the Texan forces, that incited the rest of the country to fight. And many more that a quick google search will give you! Be apart of the revolution and save the LETTERS!!!!!

Well, there you have it... I hope I have rekindled your letter writing spark! Now set thyself down at thy desk with a cup of tea, dip thy quill, and write thine dearest friends! Reconnect with that childhood pen pal or write a thank you note to someone special in your life! I'm always looking for another pen pal... so... you know...!!!! Have a wonderful day,

Sincerely,
Grace