Have you noticed that you’re getting more and more junk mail lately? Do you miss the days when you used to look forward to getting the mail? You’re not alone! I’m pretty sure that everyone feels the same way. Between the junk mail and the bills, there really is no motivation to open that mail box. It’s actually a bit depressing.
What if I told you that you can be part of the solution to this problem – and it’s actually a really simple solution? What if you decided to combat that Junk Mail with some honest to goodness Happy Mail?? I call it “Happy” Mail because that is exactly how it makes you feel – happy – every time you receive it. Thank you cards, birthday cards, “just because” cards – you name it, any form of written communication to another human, even if it’s just to say, “hey, I was thinking about you today!”
The "Science" Behind Happy Mail
What is it about receiving cards and letters that makes us so happy? Well, if you ask my husband he’ll say any mail that isn’t bills makes him happy, but I think it goes a little deeper than that. I suspect there may be some science involved, I’m no expert, but I think it comes down to the sensory experience of getting Happy Mail.
Think about the feel of a card in your hand. It generally has a little more weight to it than a bill, and it’s definitely a different shape. It’s instantly recognizable without even opening it – you know exactly what’s inside that envelope, and you start to get excited.
I suppose you could say cards might have a different smell than bills. Maybe it smells like the sender’s perfume, or even the ink they used to write the address or decorate the envelope. Bills have that “processed” or “machine-stuffed envelope” scent. Think about it, you know exactly what I mean!
Now, the look of the envelope is clearly different than bills and junk mail. Happy Mail is almost always addressed by hand, not digitized and printed like most mail these days. Someone took the time to hand write the address. And often, cards come in colorful envelopes – definitely something to get excited about!
Then, of course, there is that sound of the mailbox door closing after the mail carrier drops off your mail – it still gets the heart going!
I would argue that both the receiving AND the sending of Happy Mail can result in a smile. Just thinking about how good the recipient will feel when they receive your card makes you feel good too. I’ll take this thought further – when you place an order, I smile while making your cards.
Spread Some Good Feelings
Cards and letters can celebrate a special occasion or serve as a remembrance of an event in your life. Admittedly, this might not always be a happy occasion, but I think even sympathy cards bring warm feelings to the recipient. Just the fact that someone is thinking about you HAS to make you feel good. Someone took the time to hand-write a message specifically for you – you can’t get much more personal than that. The fact that you mattered enough for someone to take that time for you – that leaves a lasting impression. I think it’s high time we get back to spreading more of these good feelings! Why not spread some of these good feelings yourself? Pick up some new Spring cards here, and help bring a smile to someone’s face!