The New Year has arrived and it’s time once again for making resolutions. Fiscal responsibility? Skip the lattes and call it a day. Diet and exercise? Too hard. Dry January? Too boring. I suggest trying something different this year. Let’s make a resolution to connect less by text and more in writing to the people in our lives. In this blog, I’ll share some tips on how to get started. I promise you will not regret this.
Resolve to send a hand written note once a month
I hope this resolution doesn’t feel daunting to you. It is achievable. And once you start doing it, you’ll see how good it feels to make an authentic connection with another human being. We think we get this from social media, from ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ and hand-clapping emojis. But that’s just attention, not genuine connection. It’s why after a session of scrolling we continue to feel a sense of emptiness. The feeling of emptiness can be bridged by a handwritten note. A handwritten note is slow, thoughtful and deliberate. Nothing can say “I see you” and “I value you” more.
You may ask, ‘How do I keep this going every month?’
There are so many ways to approach this. The easiest is with a birthday card. If not a birthday card, there are loads of other occasions that are worthy of a note or card: new home, new job, anniversaries, weddings, engagements, new baby. Did you receive a gift at Christmas? Send a thank you note. Did you receive a holiday card from someone that you didn’t send a card to? Send them a New Year’s card. Send cards for Holidays. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Single this year? Show your love to your girlfriends, nieces, nephews, grandparents, etc. How about a card just because? You can suggest becoming pen pals with someone. Think about your older relatives. You know how happy they would be to receive an out-of-the-blue note from you? If you’re not doing any of these suggestions now, don’t worry. Just pick one.
Helpful Tips
- Where to find Greeting Cards or Stationery
- Nothing beats a Chain Drug Store or Grocery Store for convenience. You’re already there picking up a prescription or food. Get a card, too. These places are convenient, but you won’t have a breath of selection.
- If you want something for a specific relationship or more variety, go to a Hallmark Store, a Paper Source store or your local stationery store.
- Do you want something unique? Check out my favorites tab for unique card makers.
- Have some paper handy? Use that. There are no rules that say you must start with a perfect card or beautiful Italian stationery.
- Sign up for https://www.quillandcue.com/ – a great subscription service that will send you a card and a stamp once a month. It’s a great way to keep your resolution even if you forgot you made it.
- How to find a mailing address
- Ask a mutual friend or go direct to the person if you aren’t hoping for the element of surprise.
- Use http://whitepages.com Pro Tip: scroll past the “view full report” in blue to “View details”.
- You can also search by reverse phone.
- Use Google maps if you know where they live.
- Go to http://usps.com to look up the zip code.
- Stamps
- You don’t have to wait in line at the post office for a stamp. Most have self-serve kiosks available 24/7 or better than than, simply order stamps on-line.
- Order forever stamps – you won’t have to worry about future price increases, you’ll always be able to use them.
- The USPS can use your support. (Stayed tuned for my blog on how you can support the USPS.)
What can you expect
I bet you’ll get a text or an email thanking you for the card or note you sent. This will make you feel good. Because you made someone you care for feel good. It’s a win-win scenario. And a perfect way to start a new year.
