Writing a letter or greeting card with a difference makes the difference

Reconnect with loved ones by writing a card or a letter

In spite of all the Whatsapp messages, Facebook alerts and Instagram pics we can still feel a need to connect with loved ones in meaningful ways.

There is something very healing and transformative when it comes to old-fashioned greeting cards and letter writing in nurturing connection and boosting our wellbeing.

This practice benefits both the giver and the receiver in terms of psychological and physical wellbeing.

The art of letter or greeting card writing

The art-form of old-fashioned writing is being resurrected. The greeting cards and stationery industry is booming when it comes to paper journals, greeting cards, and old-fashioned letter paper which is exciting and hopeful.

I love the whole process of writing and receiving letters and cards.

Choosing the recipient and the card.
Making time to sit down to write.
Creating the message.
Adding stickers to the envelope or a drawing.
Posting the mail by making an effort to walk to an old-fashioned mailbox to make the evening collection.
And, imagining their arrival at the other end.

It’s such a thrilling series of joyful moments.

Got the card but a bit stuck on what to say?

Have you ever sat down to write a letter or a greeting card only to find your mind went blank and you struggled to find the words? I sure have!

Sometimes this is a telling sign that we’re a bit muddled up inside and one way to clear it is to start by writing down the truth: “I bought this card for you and now I’m sitting here in this lovely cafe or my kitchen not sure what I want to tell you…” This often clears the block. But, to help, below I share five other ideas that never fail me. As friends have commented how much they enjoy my mail, I thought I’d share them here. They are intended to produce the sort of messages I know I’d be happy to receive from my friends and family.

IDEA 1: What you mean to me message

We all enjoy hearing that our presence has a positive impact on someone else but too often we fail to convey it. We assume others know we love them or appreciate them but without finding a way to tell it, this information may only exist in our mind. Not to mention that most of us really enjoy hearing it on repeat anyways.

Why not take a moment to reconnect and tell someone in your life what they mean to you or just how much?

You can write a sentence, a paragraph or a longer letter on this topic. You could write a short poem.

Be sure to use as many senses as possible so that the reader is not left puzzling out your meaning.

Also keep in mind that people’s presence in your life can take on a different meaning over time so being on the same page with someone and having that appreciation and relevance is massive for your connection.

IDEA 2: Reconnect by sharing what you’ve been up to

With everyone being busy doing so much or sometimes very little, it is often a challenge to keep up with what’s been happening in other people’s lives. It can be also hard to realize how our everyday lives impact and shape who we are. Sitting down to write someone a short note about how you are is a great way of letting them know they matter as well as a great way to catch up with yourself.

If you’re going to bring someone else up to speed on your recent highlights or key events, ensure you give the other person a clear sense of:

how you are now,
what’s been happening recently,
how these events impacted you,
why you’re sharing this with them.

This form of writing can be massively illuminating in terms of helping you make sense of things, clarify the importance of something and help you get in touch with your true feelings about it.

What’s great about it for the other person is that in addition to learning about you, it will also invite them into a natural reflection on their activities, thoughts, and feelings as much as your relationship. A true win-win!

IDEA 3: Saw this card and it made me think of you!

There are times when our wise intuition steps in and we find ourselves getting a greeting card or postcard with a specific person in mind. What better way to reconnect than send it to them there and then?

What often works well in such circumstances is giving the receiver a small bit of context about how you’ve happened to find the card followed by explaining the card’s significance in your mind. What spoke to you about it? What did it help you connect with? Did it make you laugh and if so how come? Does it remind you of something you both shared? For example, if it’s a specific image or a painting tell the reader about the specific association you made between it and him or her. Some of the best cards will do this with their art and slogans but don’t assume these alone will be as obvious to someone else as they may be to you. I remember once being sent a card with a dog on the cover. To the sender the dog was cute but what I perceived in the way the dog was drawn were sadness and abandonment. The card’s true meaning felt puzzling.

We all see the world through our unique minds, memories, and filters of our experience and history. Some of us may see things as they are, while others will abstract from what is and imagine something completely different. If you doubt my words consider for a moment the thoughts, feelings and sensations that the word dog or a picture of a dog brings up for you. If you’ve very visual notice what sort of dog you saw in your mind’s eye. Language helps us bridge minds and states and language plus image and super powerful at creating easy to grasp meaning.

IDEA 4: Sending wisdom, inspiration or a series of recent lessons

Most of us will enjoy receiving a note or a greeting card that reminds us of something important. I love powerful affirmations or positive reminders that empower me to think and feel better. These messages can often be incredibly uncanny in terms of their perfect timing.

Trust your instinct but instead of texting someone or sending an e-mail, write a card. You can write a quote, copy a poem, or tell a story that’s made you reflect or learn something you believe will also enrich the other person. You could list ten ideas for how you’re going to have the perfect break at home, holiday on a budget or withstand the winter blues. Your ideas will make your recipient think and may motivate them to action.

Remember not to preach but rather adopt a casual tone along the lines of “I came across this, found it powerful, and thought you may also…”

Or something relatable along these lines “I’m dreading the holidays as I find them super triggering so I came up with three ways I will keep myself safe over these day. 1…2…3… “ End with an invitation for the other person to tell you how they would manage it, or what else you could try, or tell them you’ll follow up with a call soon, then diarize it, and do it!

IDEA 5: Invitation to reconnect

Relationships need glue. This glue is often time shared. Some of the best cards invite us into future experiences and fun together or help us mark important moments in our lives. They could be marking special occasions, celebrating a past achievement or a highlight, or help us begin to envisage the future.

You could for example, recall one of your favorite times together in the past, point out what made it special/fun/enjoyable for you, and make a proposal for doing something together in the future. This is a wonderful way of reconnecting and sharing good memories.

This sort of card can often end with an acknowledgment of how you feel about the other person and/or what you need or desire; for example “I’d love to see you!” or “Let’s make time to catch up and explore the new Indian restaurant.”

I recommend following this up with other forms of technology such as a call, text or e-mail so that the intention converts to a plan of action.

Final note

Cards and letters take time but in reality, texting often takes longer and delivers far less. Old-fashioned cards and letters bring a great deal of pleasure by connecting the giver and receiver in a magical experience of a gift: an intentional parcel akin to a mini present. One that’s addressed to a specific recipient, and chosen on purpose with this person in mind.

Why not take action and reconnect with someone you love today.

“Life is bearable when you have someone to write, and someone who writes you back. Even if it’s just one person.”
Eunjin Jan, female South Korean writer