Connection is why we’re here. It is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. -Brene Brown
I did a little happy dance when I saw this quote from Brené Brown. THIS is exactly why I love greeting cards and stationery. This is what’s really important in life. Connection is what we all need as humans to remain healthy and happy, and one of the best ways to stay connected is writing and sending happy mail.
Part Of A Community
We are hard-wired to be and stay connected to other humans. Can’t help it, we’re meant to be part of a community. We are at our best in an atmosphere of togetherness and support. Without this connection, it would be easy to doubt ourselves and our purpose in life, and to question why we’re here at all. Without the connection to a community, it’s possible that we would live a shorter, less healthy and more lonely life.
Your “community” is made up of the people who share your beliefs, your memories and your experiences. They make you feel comfortable and safe. Some may live close, but most will likely live far away. Sure, you could find them on Facebook and Instagram, maybe post and like pictures to keep up with everyone’s lives, and even text each other, but electronic “connections” can seem a little cold and insincere. All of them lack the depth, humanness, and deep connection gained from sharing your thoughts, feelings, and day to day experiences, in hand-written form. They’re superficial ways to “stay in touch.”
Time To Go Deeper
The instant gratification you get from posting to social media – getting likes and comments – is exciting, until there aren’t any at all. Texting someone good wishes and instantly getting a response is satisfying to start, but then the moment passes and you’re both on to the next thing. The messages aren’t necessarily forgotten. Much like your social media feed, they get pushed farther and farther down your “mental feed” of the day’s events.
Hand-written messages offer a far deeper connection. There’s no limit to the number of characters you can use. Each word is spelled out – no abbreviations. You can dig deep and really think about what you want to say and how you want to say it. This isn’t a rushed 5 or 6-word greeting. This is you, participating in a centuries old activity. Physically writing down your thoughts, sharing a part of yourself and some of your time with another human. What a gift you’re giving them and yourself.
Every part of the process is thoughtful. Beginning with the card you choose to the pen you use to write your message. The way you address the envelope, and even to the stamp you choose to put on that envelope. There are so many ways to personalize this message. It’s a thoughtful and caring creative process.
The Next Step
Once your card arrives in that person’s mailbox, another process begins. There is excitement at seeing that little envelope with the hand-written address. Then, the anticipation of what might be inside that note. They have a choice, do they immediately open that envelope, or do they save it and open it at just the right time that day? No matter when it’s opened, the excitement is real.
Those who can’t wait tear into that envelope will devour each line, fully enjoying their own version of “instant gratification.” Those who wait for the perfect moment to open that envelope savor each word, and take it all in soaking up each line. If you’re like me, you wait until just the right time. I wait until I can sit and read each word in peace with no interruptions – then maybe I read it again, just because I can.
What Kind Of Message Are You Sending?
Greeting cards are tangible objects that we can see and hold, re-reading time and again. They’re saved in keepsake boxes and pulled out again when we’re reminded of the sender or need a little boost or reassurance. They last, they have meaning, and they are special.
Although Facebook “memories” are cool, it’s almost impossible to find a previous post. Texts are great, but you won’t go looking for a text a year from now so you can re-read it and relive the sentiment. It’s just not that kind of communication. Social media and texts are meant to be fleeting not permanent. I don’t know about you, but fleeting isn’t really the message I want to send.
I’m a sucker for sentiment and keepsakes – ask my family, they had to carry many boxes of sentiment and keepsakes when we moved! I keep the cards and letters that I receive from friends and family, and I’ve re-read them many times, sometimes to relive memories, sometimes for closure. Either way, they withstand the test of time. They’re tactile and powerful and important.
Connection Is Why We’re Here.
What’s Stopping You From Connecting?
Sending “happy mail” is vital to your well-being and the well-being of those who receive it. Your community wants to hear from you and to feel connected. Handwritten words are powerful, meaningful and important. Don’t hesitate to write because you feel your handwriting isn’t “perfect.” It’s perfectly imperfect and a part of you, and that’s what matters most.
In the years to come, people will want to see your handwriting and will marvel at all of its little oddities and misshapen letters – that’s the best part. Share a piece of yourself with someone in your life. Whether it’s a short message and good wishes in a birthday card, or a more in-depth note to catch up in a “just because” card. Your thoughts and thoughtfulness will be appreciated. They’ll also likely end up in a keepsake box to be re-read again and again.
Why not bring more meaning and purpose to your life? Why not stay connected in a more personal way? Because, after all, connection is why we’re all here.
Do you need a fresh supply of cards to get connected? We’ve got just what you need!
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