Dear Friend,
In the digital age, it is easy to overlook the importance of letter writing. Rare are those who have the will to write a letter on paper and go to the post office just to let someone know they’re thinking of them, since there are many simpler ways to do so.
Why bother with handwritten letters when you can text, call, or FaceTime?
I must confess that, when it comes to modern-day technology, I’m not optimistic.
And perhaps even more so now, as a mother, I find myself thinking about the world we are creating for the next generation.
I find communication via smartphones, iPads, PCs, and the like quite the path of least resistance.
To be more precise, with the help of pre-written phrases, templates, and entertaining emoticons, everyone has the opportunity to express their greetings, thoughts, and feelings quickly and easily: a couple of mouse clicks, a little help from the Copy-Paste option, and fast typing on the keyboard.
Aaaaaand send! That’s all.
You don’t even need to type your message over and over again, since it can be saved as a template.
In this way, many people end up masking their true feelings, thoughts, and beliefs when emailing or messaging. Yet this is not considered vicious. They say we need to “be assertive”.
In practice, certain standards must be met, and the expression of true feelings does not comply with this framework. Therein lies the superficiality of this form of communication.
Moreover, texting is fast and informal and, thanks to autocorrect, almost always perfect, since we pretty much rely on a keyboard to do the work for us.
As for me, email remains synonymous with work and office communication.
Hence, handwritten letters are a classy thing to do.
They are funny, sincere, and melt one’s heart.
If you visit a historical museum, you can appreciate the significance of handwritten letters. They always occupy special spots in museums and are well protected and preserved. The vast majority of these letters have profound meanings and powerful words worth reading time after time. Like some of the most beautiful love letters of all time, for instance.
Additionally, there is something ritualistic about choosing pencils, paper, and an envelope, as well as writing an address and taking a letter to the post office.
It’s much more personal than a report.
Handwritten letters have a special charm and carry the value of the message sent by the sender: a blank piece of paper filled with your words, thoughts, and emotions.
Letters offer a unique glimpse into the sender’s feelings, character, and intentions. We need to read between the lines sometimes and perhaps even shed a tear or two.
A handwritten letter is a uniquely personal way of showing someone who we are. That’s the magic formula, the secret ingredient of letter writing.
Why Does Letter Writing Still Matter in the Digital Age?
We live in a world of texting and chatting, and we only need to choose a medium to enter into virtual communication. So, why should you bother to write more handwritten letters today?
What is the importance of letter writing in the digital age? Well, the reason might lie in one appealing finding.
Namely, scientists say that writing letters can help you feel healthier and happier!
Professor Steve Toepfer, from Kent State University in Ohio, USA, conducted research in 2011 on the power of writing. In the study, participants wrote three letters of gratitude over three weeks. The findings suggested that this thoughtful writing practice could increase happiness and life satisfaction while reducing depressive symptoms. I couldn’t agree more! Read the study.
Do You Still Need Reasons to Start Writing Letters?
Write letters to feel the joy of checking your mailbox, which is usually full of ads and bills.
Write letters to remember how truly important it is to thoughtfully consider something before it is written.
Write letters to realize the innocence you hide within yourself so that you can conquer the world.
Write letters to make someone’s day, because someone could do the same for you.
Write letters because they are timeless and make every word count!
Write letters, at least for reasons best known to yourself. Just write letters!
A Little Challenge for the Skeptics
Of course, many call handwritten letters old-fashioned. I say to them: give it a try.
I dare them to choose the perfect paper, think about the conversation and the feelings they want to express, write them down, and send the letter.
But wait, what about the recipient? To whom are you ready to show your personality and come as you are? It’s a tricky question, I know. Yet, within this doubt lies the answer to the previous question about the necessity of writing more letters.
Quite simply, I believe that people would better understand themselves and the society around them if they wrote letters more often.
We are well aware that the modern world lacks empathy. Although handwritten letters may be a tiny step towards changing this reality, it is still worth the effort. Don’t you agree with me?
Love,
P.S.: Since we discussed letters of gratitude, I found one great example. In 1996, a 13-year-old girl named Sarah wrote to her idol about her dream of becoming a filmmaker one day. Her idol’s name was Quentin Tarantino, and the letter was sent two years after the release of the film “Pulp Fiction”. In a very creative letter, the famous director also wrote the following:
“Thank you for your very lovely letter. It’s the best letter I’ve gotten all year long. (…) Rock on Sarah!! (…) I read your letter to Mira, she loved it too. Write [to] me anytime. I can’t wait for you to get your hands on a camera too.
With all my love (Signed) Quentin Tarantino”
