Call me “old fashioned”, but there’s something about snail mail that excites me! I love opening up the mailbox and finding a handwritten envelope with a card or even a letter in it! It’s definitely “old school” and most people prefer the quicker method of communication – email. Handwritten letters and cards, sent through the mail, convey a sense of intimacy. I think it provides a sort of connection that email cannot. You, the reader, can see the pen strokes in each word, in each letter. It’s personal.
Letter-writing takes time and patience. Even picking out just the right card for that special someone takes time and patience. It’s a true labor of love… a love for your family and friends.
I issue you, my friend, a challenge to commit to writing a letter, sending a card, or physically mailing something out every day the mail runs this February, which starts tomorrow! It’s called “The Month of Letters Challenge” and it was originally issued by Mary Robinette Kowel. She’s a novelist and a professional puppeteer out of Oregon. You can visit her website at www.maryrobinettekowel.com.
I don’t know Mary personally, but I stumbled across The Month of Letters Challenge and was definitely intrigue. I realized that this challenge is totally do-able! And those of you who know me know that I’d rather communicate via snail mail (I love sending goofy cards to family and friends!), unless it’s urgent and have no choice but to use email.
So here it is… my challenge for you:
- In the month of February (which starts tomorrow), mail at least one item through the post every day it runs. Write a postcard, a letter, send a picture, or a cutting from a newspaper, or a fabric swatch. It doesn’t matter what you send, just mail something out.
- Write back to everyone who writes to you. This can count as one of your mailed items.
All you are committing to is to mail 24 items. Why 24? There are four Sundays and one US holiday. In fact, you might send more than 24 items. You might develop a correspondence that extends beyond the month. You might enjoy going to the mail box again!
Feeling intimidated? Don’t be… just enjoy the challenge and take time to spread a little joy to someone by sending them a little love through the mail! So please join me in The Month of Letters Challenge.
