A Guide for Letter Writing in the 2020s

There is nothing quite like receiving snail mail. We’re taken aback when we see our names on an envelope and it’s not a credit statement. It’s from someone we love. We carry it home from the mailbox with childlike wonderment. It’s even more special when we weren’t expecting anything. Afterall, it’s not our birthday for another two months. What could this be? To put it plainly, it doesn’t have to be much.

Writing a letter doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, it should be fun. There are no rules or expectations. Anything goes! You certainly do not need to be buy fancy stationary or fountain pen. Trust me, your friends will be just as happy with torn pages from a notebook.

The way I see it, letter writing should be an opportunity to slow down from our busy day, to reflect and express ourselves. If you’re feeling happy, spread the joy. If you’re feeling sad, confide in someone.

Snail mail acts a reminder that even the simplest things can be special. After all, isn’t connecting with the people we love what life is all about?

Below is a list of ideas to help get you started. But remember: they’re more what you’d call ‘guidelines’ than actual rules ;)

Things to include in your letter

Let’s start with the basics…

·        Your current interests

• What are you reading?

• What are you listening to (music or podcasts)?

• What games are you playing?

• What are you watching?

• What are you making/creating?

• What are you working on at your job?

·        Places you’ve visited or would like to visit

·        Something you’ve learned recently or currently learning

·        How are your pets doing? Did they do something hilarious?

Let’s go a little deeper…

·        What was a recent dream you had?

·        When was the last time you laughed?

·        When was the last time you cried?

·        Share some memories

·        Share some future plans

Let’s think out of the box (or the envelope [haha]) …

·        Share a recipe

·        Share song lyrics

·        Share a list of things you’re thankful for

·        Give your pen pal an affirmation to remember

Small gifts to include with your letter

The classics…

·        A greeting card

·        Postcards

·        Photos

·        Bookmarks

·        Newspaper and magazine clippings

·        Stickers

·        Little doodles and drawings

Let’s get more creative…

·        Tea bags

·        Packets of seeds (veggies or flowers)

·        Pressed flowers or leaves

·        Confetti (warning: this one is messy)

·        Decorative paper scraps

·        Ribbons and fabric swatches

·        String and twine

·        Friendship bracelet

·        Small art prints