I spent a good part of Sunday clearing my desk and making a note of all the people to whom I owe letters. Since my father’s passing (in February), I have had little inclination to pen letters and postcards. In fact, I realized my snail mail life has been a mess. Not only are there letters I haven’t responded to yet, but I discovered there are many notes and letters that I haven’t even read!
How can this be?! What kind of snail mail revolutionary have I become?
As I decluttered my desk, I had two brilliant ideas. Yes, brilliant. I gathered all the stickers, postcards, stationery, washi tape, and other embellishments I came across. Instead of relocating them into their proper containers, I placed them in a ziplock bag and decided that I would write letters and notes with all the desk clutter. That way, I minimize the sense of overwhelm I feel lately when choosing cards, envelopes, stickers, etc. Desk clutter mail kit. That’s idea #1.
My second idea? To make this “snail mail” month on the blog. Yep, pretty brilliant. Right? June will be a month of snail mail tips, happy inbox and outbox mailbox shares, and more. Of course, this means, my blog readers will become my snail mail accountability partners. If I tell you I’m going to do it, then I have to do it.
Maybe, you’d like to become a snail mail revolutionary too. You probably have everything you need:
- Stamps
- Postcards or stationery with envelopes
- Pen, typewriter, or computer and printer
- Friends’ and family members’ addresses
- Desk or some other sturdy surface
And if you want to get a little fancy, some extras:
- Stickers
- Washi tape
- Colored pens, pencils, markers
- Quotes, poems, song lyrics
Join me. Sending mail is one of the small pleasures of life, and with all the madness going on, the world needs more gestures of kindness and love. It’s a win-win in both directions!
About the Image: The image above is actually an analog address book made by my artsy pen friend, Lori-Anne C. I am honored to be the recipient of one of only three of these hand-painted Lori-Anne originals. And yes, I still keep a physical address book, so this gift couldn’t be more perfect! Well, actually, the sunflower puts it over the top! [Lori-Anne makes gorgeous art. Click her name to see more. I’ll be sharing another Lori-Anne original later this month, so be sure to tune in].
When I was in college, every Friday students were given an opportunity to write positive, joy-filled messages to whomever they wished. Someone would go around the cafeteria during the lunch hours and pass out minimally decorated colored paper entitled “Joy Notes,” give individuals an opportunity to write a message, collect them, and deliver them to the dormitory offices for distribution via students’ mailboxes.
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