MONIQUE SLIEDRECHT: Snail mail offers a more lasting connection
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Northern Drift by Monique Sliedrecht
The other day I came home from a week of travel. When I stepped in the door, completely exhausted after a seven-hour car journey, I was met with a stack of post consisting of mainly junk mail, most of which would find its way to the recycling bin.
Poking out from this physical spam was an envelope with my name and address written in a lovely orange felt tip scrawl on the front. I recognised the handwriting of one of my Scandinavian friends and quickly picked it out of the pile, running my finger along the top of the envelope to prise it open.
Inside was a beautiful advent calendar card which revealed a touching message inside. The letter thanked me for mine (sent a few weeks before) and wished me a happy Advent season.
I placed the festive card on top of my piano and now look forward to opening up a small window each day in the lead up to Christmas. Every time I do so, I will be happily reminded of my Norwegian friend, and be warmed by her thoughtfulness. It meant so much to receive this, after days of travelling, when I was feeling somewhat lonely and distant from friends and family, and longing for a greater sense of connectedness.
There’s a special closeness that happens in receiving a letter and knowing it originated in the hands of someone you love. Holding a letter with handwriting on it is one of the ways we can feel nearby to someone, despite the miles. It is a little piece of them there with you, something to cherish.
Not only did they actually touch it and write on the piece of carefully selected card or paper, but they took the time to sit down, pick up a pen, write their thoughts down, then seal, address, stamp, and post the letter.
Before we say that it’s far too much effort these days, especially in the light of social media and texting, let’s just stop for a moment and consider the joy it brings. Having a tangible expression of someone’s thoughts and feelings is rare and worth holding on to with gratitude.
With a few strokes of handwriting, a letter has the opportunity to have a huge impact on someone’s life. It has the power to encourage, uplift, speak life, and let someone know they matter to you. Letters from my mom and sisters when I was in college are some of my most treasured possessions. As opposed to a fleeting text message, a letter could be something the recipient cherishes for many years.
When I was growing up, writing letters had not yet gone out of fashion. I still have notes and doodles written on scraps of paper which went through various hands to get to a friend on the other side of the classroom, and a full box of letters from my best friend when she moved away, or my first boyfriend when we were getting to know each other.
What about writing to thank your friend who paid for lunch, your teacher from high school/college that really made an impact, or reaching out to someone who lives across the country?
If you’re thinking of a friend or loved one and really want to make their day, put down the phone and find a pen and paper. Maybe instead of saying 'thank you' via text, handwrite a quick note. Say 'happy birthday' with a card – not just a Facebook post. And scribble a line or two in Christmas cards, because a personal greeting is so powerful.
Your handwriting may be rusty, but let’s say 'enough with the Zooms' and the digital communications! Foster some real connections by putting pen to paper. Brighten the world by adding some snail mail to your routine.
- Monique Sliedrecht is an artist, blogger and podcaster based at Freswick – www.moniquesliedrecht.com
