This week I dug out a treasure that has been carefully packed away in my tiny, overstuffed cellar since my arrival in Basel. One that has been with me over the years, moving each time I move. To some this might resemble an unkempt assortment of paper in various sizes, shapes and colors. But to me it’s pure rainy-day sunshine. A collection of some of the most special notes I have received over the years. This one with the scrolled penmanship is from my Grandaddy and the salmon-colored one with the classic script is from my mom who recently passed. Seeing familiar handwriting from family, friends, classmates and colleagues brought tears of joy. Unfolding them and reading the messages inside took me back to special moments in my life.
A closer look
World Letter Writing Day has prompted me to address a pair of questions that have been rattling around in my noggin.
“Is the handwritten letter still relevant?”
“Can it make a difference in a world that is quickly being transformed by artificial intelligence and technological advancements?”
Let’s unpack these.
How it started
Persian Queen Atossa is credited with penning the first letter around 500. B.C. according to historian Hellanicus. An unsung heroine to avid letter writers like me around the world. Think of the countless messages communicated between royalty, military, government, business and industry leaders during critical moments. And correspondence that served as lifelines between soldiers, families and lovers during wartime. Or the infinite updates, thank yous and heartfelt words offered for graduations, marriages, interviews, new homes, births, dance recitals, breakups, retirements and deaths. Each has played an important part in shaping and recording historical events and personal history throughout the ages.
How it is going
With every advancement that makes communication easier, quicker and cheaper, fewer people are writing letters. According to a survey by CBS News in 2021, less than a third (31%) of those surveyed have written a personal letter within the past year and thirty-seven percent (37%) say it’s been over five years since they’ve written and sent a personal letter. Interestingly there was a bit of a resurgence of letter writing during the Pandemic. In the study COVID Mail Attitudes – Understanding & Impact (April 2020) by the U.S. Postal Service, seventeen percent (17%) of respondents reported sending more cards and letters while sixty-five percent (65%) agree that receiving mail lifts their spirits and fifty-four percent (54%) reported they can feel more connected to people through the mail.
Rare gems in a rapidly changing world
As I wiped away the tears and tucked the special notes back in for safekeeping, it became clear that handwritten letters still wield an incredible amount of power. Just because this age-old practice is on the decline doesn’t mean it is any less relevant or important today. Quite the contrary.
It is time to look at the letter in a new light. To recognize its significance and value among a sea of artificially generated messages, texts and emails. To know that there are times when a quick email or text will do and there are other situations that call for the care and attention of a handwritten letter.
What makes a letter so valuable?
- One of a kind
Like a fingerprint or DNA, each letter is as unique as the person who writes it. It is fascinating to see how distinctive someone’s handwriting is or the way they express their thoughts. Plus, the dazzling array of paper and colors of ink. Some are adorned with drawings, like the one my childhood friend made to accompany her summer update that announced a new baby in her family. Others contain fun surprises, such as photographs, newspaper clippings or a program from an event you hosted. If you are lucky, you might even find an uncashed birthday check.
- Real
I was reminded that every note contained a message carefully crafted for me. Much deeper than an emoji or hashtag, it was real, genuine. From interest to empathy, messages are inspired by the writer’s imagination and fueled by their heart. Something that can’t be replicated by a machine or found in a 280-character post on a mobile device. They touch you, help you feel something and let you know that you are human.
- Connection
Letters remind us of our link to others.
“I enjoyed your visit last week.”
“I really appreciated your time yesterday.”
“I was honored to celebrate your recent promotion with you.”
“I have not seen you in forever and wanted to say I was thinking of you.”
They let us know we are not alone. Remind us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Comfort those who are facing a difficult time. As a result, they can help build and strengthen relationships.
- Remembrance
When was the last time you printed an SMS or a WhatsApp and put it on your bulletin board? A letter can punctuate a special accomplishment or offer a sense of nostalgia. It enables you to hold the same piece of paper that the sender selected and penned for you. Like the one that sits here on my desk from my mom who writes of Switzerland and the Matterhorn. Just seeing it helps me reminisce, since she is no longer here.
Long live the handwritten letter
Visiting my beloved collection was like spending time with dear friends and family. Each reminded me that while there will always be new ways to send a message, nothing could ever take its place in communicating with another. Rather than abandon this time-tested practice, let’s find new opportunities to share sentiments that will bring joy, comfort, anticipation, gratitude and recognition to others, one letter at a time.
Tracy I absolutely love this and I am definitely a person who believes in the power of handwritten letter/note. I do have that stack of letters that I always love going back to read every now and then. Beautifully written piece, you do have a gift! ❤️💛
Thanks so much for the heartfelt words Elizabeth. Wonderful to know that you are a letter lover too.