It can be easy and quick to send a text message or email to someone, so it's common to ask why should I write traditional mail (snail mail)? I thought I'd list out the benefits of snail mail, especially when I think its a great time to write to a family member, because May is a great time to connect with others. Let me explain this further.
Here in the United States we have a holiday that is called Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a great day to remember those in the past with the warm memories we shared with our family members, and friends before they passed on. But its a great time to remember that we have only so much time left to show others that we care about them and a letter or card is a great way to do this, especially if we can't see them in personal due to how far away we might live from them. (Yes, a digital communication or text message is easier and quicker, but traditional mail can be something you might do in addition to these other forms of communication or maybe you exchange cherished memories with family members at the cemetery if you meet at the same time to honor/remember your ancestors/family members on this day). However, if you live further away it might be a great way to ask the other person in the first letter you send the recipient if you want to exchange letters about stories that help you remember the great times about a person (family member or friend) that is no longer able to be with you, but would keep their memory alive by sharing great stories about a time you spent with them.
Writing and sending traditional mail is a way to connect with others on a different level. It's not just another text message or email to add to the several you get in one week. I did write about why snail mail matters in my previous post, but I thought it would be great to briefly go over some great benefits of sending snail mail again. I think connecting with others on a personal level is important.
Traditional mail has some of the following benefits:
1. It shows you care when sending traditional mail. A writing desk used to be set for writing a letter at any time, but now we do have to take the extra time to gather everything we need to write a letter and card. These extra steps and show the letter receiver that they took time out of your busy day to sit down to write a letter or card to them.
2. Writing traditional mail helps us make memories that will last. We probably won't keep our text messages or emails, but a letter or card from someone who took the time to write to us might have written words that mean a lot to us or to the receiver of the letter/card. We can keep letters and cards easier, plus the stationery used might be something that reminds us of the sender or maybe the sender was so thoughtful as to send stationery they knew we would enjoy seeing as they read our handwritten message. Keeping traditional mail as a keepsake is like a gift that can be read several times and be kept easily.
3. I don't know the percentage of people who get snail mail, but it definitely not as common as it used to be. Therefore, traditional mail is likely to be a great surprise to the recipient. It's definitely great to see a letter or card meant for you in the mailbox without any other intention other than being just for you without any other reason other than for reading. Think of all the bills that remind us of bills to be paid or ads that want us to spend money. A card or letter is there just for the recipient to read and enjoy - no other motive. Isn't that a great surprise to see in one's mailbox?
4. Enjoy taking time to slow down for 5 to 20 minutes just writing. It doesn't have to be complicated. It can be just a quick card or a long letter that you could show your personality they hear when you talk. Handwritten cards and letters aren't strict like a printer that makes no mistakes and doesn't show any human qualities. I think its great to see handwritten letters or cards with different handwriting styles, colorful inks, and maybe even a smudge of ink makes me feel that this letter or card was perfected for me. We see most everything being typed in uniform writing. I personally like handwritten traditional mail because of how unique each letter or card can be. I love to receive snail mail, especially, if a fun memory is referenced in the letter or a fun joke.
No matter when you write a letter or card to send someone, the recipient will probably enjoy receiving some snail mail. Surprise someone with send some snail mail to connect with someone you know (maybe they will send you a card or letter back). We can communicate to others in a more personal level through traditional mail.
Happy Writing!
Warmly,
Sally

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