30 Reasons To Write A Letter
Who will you write to?

This project started with National Letter Writing Month (April) . . . one reason for each day of the month.

Let us know your reasons for writing, we'd love to hear about them!

#1 - You will make someone happy!

Getting mail makes people happy.
Maybe there's something about seeing your name on an envelope that feels good. Maybe because it's unexpected. No matter, people love getting mail.

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#4 - It's good practice to improve your handwriting!

When I talk with people about writing letters, I often hear, "Oh, but my handwriting . . . "

Of course the more your write the better (maybe?) your handwriting will get. But really, try not to worry about it. Your handwriting is what makes your letters unique and special.

So make it as loopy and large or as small and precise as it is, because when it's spotted on the outside of an envelope, whoever it's addressed to will know just who it's from!

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#7 - Sassy or chic, there's stationery that reflects your style.

Choosing the right stationery can be as important as choosing the right words. The selection gets more diverse every year. From the chic and sophisticated designs at Crane & Co. to the beautiful florals at Rifle Paper Company and sassy collections curated by Mail More Love, it's easier than ever to find stationery that suits your style.

#10 - Desk Accessories!

From washi tape to letter openers, and wax seals, the well-appointed writing desk adds style and flair to your correspondence.

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#13 - Finish a conversation.

With Passover and Easter gatherings you may start an interesting conversation with a friend or relative, only to be interrupted by the dinner bell, or another friend or relative. In the days following write a letter to say how nice it was to talk with them and extend the conversation. You may even get a letter back. It's happened to me!

#16 - Send congratulations.

Why not send a note to someone who passed the test, made the grade, and is celebrating that hard-won diploma or certificate? Same goes for that certain someone who just landed a new job, completed a project, or ran a marathon in record time (or crossed the finish line). Congratulate them and share a story of your own that's similar.

#19 - It's thrilling to let your letter go!

Even though I've been writing and sending letters for a long time, I still enjoy pulling the handle on the blue mailbox, putting the envelope into the slot and letter it slip from my fingers. The thrill comes from knowing it's on its way, and I've committed to sending it. There's no getting it back once it drops into the box. Once it's gone, my mind shifts to excitement, thinking bout when it arrives on the other end.

#22 - You can send a whole lot of love for just 49¢

It's my favorite reason of all. Sending mail to the people I love makes us all feel good. It's inexpensive, unexpected, and utterly charming!

Who will you write to?

#25 - It can help you say things that matter.

Are you especially proud of someone? Are you grateful for the guidance, love, and support you have received from someone? Has someone made a difference in your life, made you a better person? Let them know how much they've mattered. It's hard to sometimes find the rights words when we're face to face. Finding the right written words can be challenging, too, but writing gives you the time to consider what it is you want to say. I sometimes say what I'm trying to express out loud and write down what I've said. It helps me write in a more conversational tone and makes my writing less formal and stiff.

#28 - Writing offers a sense of accomplishment.

Whether it's a personal letter, a thank you note, or a follow up after a meeting, writing lends a sense of accomplishment and completion to some of life's big (and simple) moments.

#2 - The More You Send, the More You Get

You may not get a letter back from everyone you write to, but you may be surprised by who does write back.

#5 - It's a meaningful way to say thank you.

When I first started writing thank you notes, I was nervous.

And there are still times, depending on who I'm thanking or what I'm thanking someone for, it takes a bit of writing, re-writing, scratching out, rearranging, and consideration to get it right.

Last year I wrote a note to hospital staff who had tended to my brother . . . two years after he needed care. It was during Nurses Week that I thought to write. My brother is doing well, in large part because of the care he received from the nurses and doctors, and I wanted to let them know how much they helped him . . . and his family . . . get through a difficult time. They received the note, and wrote back! Thanking me for thanking them. Amazing.

So if you're hesitant, write anyway. We often don't know what the impact will be, but it's always worth the effort.

#8 - It can provide lasting comfort.

If you know someone who is going through a difficult time, a letter can be a reassuring and comforting gesture.

#11 - Vintage Stamps

Vintage stamps . . . one of the best ways to decorate an envelope! Keep an eye out at yard sales and you may find someone selling their stamp collection (like I did last summer), or buy some online  . . . you'll find a great selection at Edelweiss Post.

#14 - Thank someone for their support.

Recent Forever stamps have featured Batman and Superwoman . . . super heroes who can swoop in and lend a hand. Fantasy for sure, but there are real-life super heroes as well. People who lend a hand when we need it most. Take a few minutes to write and tell them you appreciate their support. If you can think of a specific event, write about that. It's a nice way to let someone know they made a difference in your life. Who will you write to?

#17 - It's good writing practice!

When I write a thank you note, I find it helpful to start with a draft. It gives me the opportunity or organize my thoughts and up my game with better word choices and sentences. Not long, flowery, or overly complicated words and sentences, but more creative and descriptive sentences. If you write about your garden, write about your prickly cucumbers and the tomato vines, laden with clusters of pale orange cherry tomatoes. Each letter your write is a story, make it a good one!

#20 - Friends become pen pals and pen pals become friends!

It happens by chance. One person writes to another and it's reciprocated. Letter by letter, we're friends who become pen pals, or pen pals who become friends. Some live in the same town as I do, others across the country, and now, around the world(!). We reveal ourselves slowly through stories, questions, observation, bold lettering, exclamation marks, postscript notes, stickers, stamps, and decorated envelopes. Each letter, card, and note an offering of continue friendship and a growing connection. I marvel at its simplicity and significance. So try it if you haven't been writing, you may just get a letter back.

#23 - Offer comfort.

It's surprising how much comfort a short note can be for someone going through a difficult time. Phone calls are nice of course, but if you're not comfortable calling, or afraid it may be disruptive or uncomfortable, writing is a good way to let someone know you're thinking of them. And a note, once delivered, can be propped up on a table or bureau, a gentle reminder there is comfort and support available.

#26 - It makes people feel special.

Maybe it's seeing your name on the envelope, maybe it's the element of surprise. Either way, mail makes people feel special. Share the feeling that only mail delivers, write to someone!

#29 - Letters are treasured.

It never fails. When I talk with people about letter writing, someone says, "I have a a drawer full of cards and letters," or, "I saved every letter I got from . . ." Getting mail is meaningful and people hold onto the mail they receive. I do. So if you ever wonder if it matters, or if it makes a difference, it does. Who will you write to?

#3 - You'll feel closer to the person you write to.

No matter who I'm writing to, the simple act of writing their name bring a flood of thoughts and ideas about who they are and brings them a bit closer.

Who will you write to?

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#6 - Members in All Branches of Service Enjoy Mail
 
Getting mail feels good and for service members, it's a morale booster. If you know someone on active duty, consider writing to them.

Not sure what to write about?

Everyone loves a story. I love writing about my neighbor's chickens (a surprising amount of activity from that small coop out back) and things I notice on my morning walks (this morning I spotted two spiles tapped into one maple tree with hoses running down into one jug which was nearly full—hope it doesn't overflow).
 
From what I've read about writing to service members, it's best to keep your letter positive and uplifting. Makes sense.

No need to write a novel, just a paragraph or two, and you can end your letter by thanking them for their service.

I've got one person to write to today . . . who will you write to?

#9 - You can share more stories with friends.

When I exchange letters with friends, we sometimes finish a conversation we started in person, adding more details, sometimes taking it in another direction. And the next time we talk, there's even more to talk about!

#12 - You can repurpose papers for stationery.

Repurposed papers are great for stationery. My favorite of all time was when I sent a note to my friend who is a professional baker. My note was on the paper from a 5 lb. bag of flour. Her reply came back on paper from a 50 lb. bag of sugar. Sweet!

#15 - Offer Encouragement!

People are often quick to brush off praise and compliments, embarrassed by the attention, dismissive of their own achievements. Put it in writing and they're more likely to really "hear" what you have to say. Who will you write to?

#18 - People are hungry for mail!

It's why we check our mailboxes . . . the chance there might be something there. No matter how often there's nothing, there's the chance that today may be the day. Write to someone you and and turn mailbox disappointment into delight.

#21 - You get to visit without having to travel.

Living far from friends and family can be tough. Social media is great, but there's something special about a letter  . . . it's tangible. Some call it a paper hug, and I have to agree. My brother lives five states away, too far for a weekend drive. So I write to him. We call one another and talk about something I've written, and that leads us to other stories and conversation. Who will you write to?

#24 - It's a form of creative expression.

Letter writing seems to have it all. From decorated envelopes to what we write about, the stories we tell, and the ways we share them are as varied and unique as we are. There are no rules (well, the post office has a few), so experiment. Express yourself through the stamps you choose, how you address the envelope, the papers and stationery you select, the embellishments you use (or don't), and how you sign your name. Who will you write to?

#27 - Love Letters: Not just for lovers.

Of course writing a love letter to that special someone may make their heart skip a beat, but don't confine your love letters to just them. You can write to all the people you love. Tell them just what it is that you love so much about them. Are they funny? The best cook . . . ever? Do they work really hard? Do they sing to you, walk the dog, do the dishes after dinner? Put it in writing.

#30 - It's another way to say hello.

This is why I started writing. Too shy and awkward to make a phone call, writing was another way I could say hello.