This is definitely a random topic but it’s my blog so I allow myself to go off topic every so often plus this could technically be part of my lifestyle change since one of my goals is to reconnect with people and get better at staying in touch.

I was going through my office and found a pile of cards I’ve received from my sister-in-law, who is a great pen pal and the inspiration for this post 🙂  We all get Facebook likes, instant messages, texts, emails, etc…but how often do you get actual physical mail that isn’t junk or bills?

When I started cleaning out stuff to prepare for moving I began to dig through old boxes and found piles of letters, birthday cards, and other random greeting cards that had been sent to me over the years.  I’m a packrat and a bit sentimental so I save just about everything.  It brought back so many memories to read through some of the letters.

I found myself on the floor for almost 2 hours, crying, laughing, and reminiscing as I dug through the boxes.  I had letters from high school friends who diligently sent me letters during my first year of college (thanks guys!), my grandparents expressing their disappointment at my failing grades but also their support that I would straighten up my act (I didn’t until years later), and love letters from my first real love (hence the tears).

I feel sad we don’t correspond more through the mail.  I appreciate the convenience of communication through all the various forms of technology but I will always treasure the hand written letters of my friends and family.  My sister-in-law has definitely inspired me to send more mail because few things brighten my day more than seeing something in my mailbox that isn’t a bill or random junk mail so I love the thought of bringing that joy to other people.

I find myself picking up cute cards when I see them and even bought some awesome Batman stamps (there’s tons of super fun stamps out).  I also have tons of stickers (had a sticker collection when I was a kid and I never quite let it go) that I use to decorate the envelopes.

As I start adventuring I’m going to keep an eye out for unique postcards.

I would encourage everyone who might be reading to mail out a card, a letter, or a postcard to someone you know, encourage them to write back or to pay it forward by sending someone else a card.   We all stay so busy and I know I’ve been better with my correspondence (Although I have a few to write this weekend) since I haven’t been working but really it only takes 5 minutes to jot a quick note to someone and drop it in the mail.  I know once I start working I’ll keep on using “snail mail”

Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can brighten up someone’s day. 🙂