Toni’s Tips: Letter Writing

Letter writing is an ancient art. The first handwritten letter was thought to have been sent by the Persian queen Atossa around 500 BC. Letter writing as a way of sending messages became more popular as more people became literate. Much of our knowledge of history and the daily lives of the letter writers comes from the letters that were written and saved.

When was the last time you sat down to write a letter to a friend or family member in a different city? And do you remember how you felt when you opened your mailbox and found — among the bills and ads — a “real” letter from a beloved friend you hadn’t heard from or seen in a long time? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, it’s probably because it was long ago!

Letter writing is often referred to as “a lost art.” We can help bring it back! Especially during times of social isolation and loneliness, writing a letter to someone you know and love can connect the two of you in an intimate way that no email or text can. And while it’s wonderful to hear a friend’s voice on the phone, you can’t reread a phone call!

Letters communicate emotion and memory. When you write a letter, you are giving the recipient a gift of your thoughts, feelings, activities — whatever you choose to share. Letter writing requires us to slow down and reflect, a good thing in our busy lives. Not only is the recipient of your letter receiving a gift from you, but if you scan or take a picture of the letter before you send it, you can create a record to pass on to your own family.

I encourage you to think of someone in your life you would like to reach out to and then sit down with pen and paper (or type the letter if you prefer). Your letter need not be long or written on fancy paper to bring joy to you and to the recipient of your letter, and you may find that you want to continue this lovely habit!