That personal touch
In the midst of a global pandemic, simple pleasures like receiving a handwritten letter from someone you love can feel all the more personal – a handwritten letter shows a depth of feeling that no text can ever match.
One customer wrote, ‘The letter drops into the porch about midday. I’m sitting on the sofa, working from home, when I hear it and get up to pick the post from the floor. It’s a homemade envelope and I recognise my friend’s writing. I feel warmth in my belly. On the back of the envelope, she’s written, “Thank you Royal Mail workers!” with hand-drawn stars circling the words.
‘Inside is a handmade card: a beautiful big flower, and pink painted strips. I see her handwriting again – distinct and familiar – with words of positivity and hope for our future meets. I immediately feel a boost to my day. It’s a highlight, for sure. She’d taken time to make the card, write the card, send the card. And while WhatsApp messages from friends checking in are so appreciated right now, there’s something more intimate about a handwritten letter.
‘In the weeks that follow, I do the same; make my own cards at home, write letters and poems, and send them to the people I’m missing the most. I find the activity calming, even before I pop the results in the postbox.’
Why is it that post feels so personal right now? ‘Doing something nice for someone else makes you happy, especially if you know they’ll really like it,’ said psychologist and mindfulness expert, Deborah Smith. ‘Taking the time to handwrite a letter shows you care, that you’ve made an extra effort and you’ve really considered the other person.’
Handwriting a letter takes more time than writing an email or text, we’re more likely to take time to think about what we write and how we write it. The actual art of letter writing itself is great for our wellbeing – especially during a pandemic. ‘Handwriting is a wonderful way to tap into your own inner mind,’ added Deborah Smith. ‘It can be a very therapeutic exercise. It’s also great to have time away from a screen and to connect with pen and paper.’
During the current crisis, it’s clear that customers are increasingly looking to connect with friends and loved ones in a truly meaningful way. A carefully crafted, handwritten letter really stands out against the backdrop of constant WhatsApp chats and Zoom calls at this time. The uplifting effect of hearing the crisp thud of post landing on your doormat and receiving a handwritten card or letter can be palpable.
If you’re a bit stumped to know what to write in your letter, throughout the pandemic, the people behind the charity From Me to You, have been posting daily letter writing prompts to help get your pens flowing. Click here to see some of their favourites.
