Letter writing

Mini posting schedule (not that I really have any schedule) disclaimer/explanation:
 I'm working on a few bigger posts at the moment and just settling back into uni life so please forgive me if post production is slow - but I'm just going to post when I'm ready and try not place any pressure on myself with blogging because that's when I'll most likely just stop doing it!

Anyway, that disclaimer out of the way (not that its really needed, I'm pretty sure the only person who reads my blog is my mum (love you)!), I thought I'd do a little post about one of my favourite forms of communication - Letter writing!!! I've always been someone who writes lots and I can't really remember not ever being that weird person who gets excited by post; I guess that is until cards and letters began turning into adult things like bills and eye test reminders! I have a couple of people I regularly write to and I think I write on average 5 or so letters a month. I wish letter writing was still a commonplace form of communication because I know its fallen out of fashion, but it's such a great way to keep in touch I wonder why people don't do it more!

So, without further ado, here are some of the reasons I love letter writing and why I think it is brilliant...

1 - Time
 We live in a world so wonderfully connected by social media now, which means that communication can be instant, through things like text, email and Facebook. In many ways this is great and there are so many positives in being able to reach someone immediately. But it can get a bit overwhelming sometimes and this whole pressure and expectation to respond right away can often cause quite a lot of anxiety. Personally, I get intimidated by three or more messages at a time and it makes me want to retreat into my turtle shell and ignore the pressure I feel to read the messages and respond. So, with letter writing, there is the removal of this 'instant' culture created by social networking. With a letter, you don't get a notification when someone has received your letter, or read it or when they are posting their response and therefore the pressure and anticipation is taken away. I don't get this nervous feeling of having to straight away formulate a response to a message. I can take my time in reading someones words, really taking them in and appreciating them before formulating my response, which brings me onto my next point

2 - Writing can be much easier than talking
 I find that there is often a lot I want to say, but many times my brain can't seem to produce the words quick enough so I get flustered and trip all over conversations, especially more emotional and meaningful ones. So when writing I tend to be able to take more time to process what I really want to say and I can discuss topics that I'd find embarrassing or difficult to verbalise. This also comes in handy when there might be something you are scared to tell someone, I find it easier to write it down. Which gives the person a chance to read it in their own space and time, have their immediate reaction and then process what I've said before they then formulate their response. I guess I'm a bit braver in written form than verbally!
Linking back to my first point, I like to consider what I say and often worry about saying the wrong thing, so in letters, both the combination of more time to process and the removal of verbalisation is great for me!

3 - It's completely personal
 I find that when you communicate with people through letters, you find a deeper level of connection. It's this safe space you both share with one another, where you can build up trust and understanding of one another. But letters don't always have to be deep and meaningful! I like telling people about funny things that have happened that week. I like reading little anecdotes from peoples daily lives, even if they think its boring, I love to hear their thoughts about little things and little stories. It gives me an escape almost, being immersed in their life. And the beauty is, you can write about anything you want! Maybe one week I want to talk about something that happened to me, then maybe next time I'll be really interested in something they've mentioned in their letter, then maybe the next time I want to go off on a tangent talking about places I'd like to visit in the world. Topics of conversation are unlimited!

4 - Stationery
 Ahhhhhh! I'm a stationery addict and so, by writing letters, I have a concrete reason for buying wonderfully cute writing paper, envelopes and stickers! I'm currently using pastel multi-coloured A5 writing paper from paperchase and decorate my envelopes with a wide selection of stickers. And recently my mum got me this beautiful writing set with gorgeous green handmade paper complete with purple peacock feather glitter embellishment (if that doesn't make you just want to explode then I guess stationery is just not your thing...!) I am rationing this though, as my letters tend to be quite long and I need to make it last, because man, stationery can be expensive!
It just makes it all the more fun to write and receive beautiful letters. I know I'd be happy even if it was a letter on some scrap plain paper, because it's the words and sentiment that counts, but you can't beat adorable stickers and the pleasure of exquisite stationery!

5 - The physical act of reading and writing
There is something very therapeutic about sitting down and devoting time to just reading someones letter and then writing in response. I think the benefits of writing are countless and it can really help you to process thoughts and emotions. It's a little like a meditation, time for yourself to take a step out of your daily routine to do something quiet and peaceful. And for me, whose brain never ceases its anxious chattering, I find the time I'm writing an opportunity to release some tension and do something nice.

6 - Keeping in touch
 I like sending letters to my family because I don't often get to see them when I'm away at uni, and it keeps me in touch with them and what they are up to. And post can go anywhere in the world, so, really its brilliant for long distance relationships! We've sent letters as communication for a long, long time and I think more people should keep in touch this way.

I can't really think of any negatives to letter writing, apart from perhaps the cost of stamps (I'm thinking of investing in a raven or a carrier pigeon at this rate!). I'd just encourage people to give it a go! You might feel silly at first...

'Who do I write to?' Parents, family, friends, maybe someone you've lost touch with, you could even make a penpal! This is something I'm going to look into, I can't imagine how wonderful it'd be to learn about someone's life who lives across the globe, plus the stamps for that would be extremely cool!(am I a nerd for getting excited by stamps?...).

'But what do I talk about?' Start maybe by explaining where you are right that moment e.g I'm just sat in the cafe at uni, with a spare half hour, so I thought I'd write to say hello... Then maybe talk about how you've been, anything interesting you've done lately, ask them questions that they can answer in their letter back.

'What if they don't reply straight away?' Try not to panic or get apprehensive about not hearing back right away. That's the beauty of the postal service, you never really can be sure when you will receive something (unless its express delivery). So, enjoy the feeling of surprise when you get something in the post! Its always fun to get something in the post that isn't boring! 

'I could just phone them you know...' Ah but wheres the fun in that? Don't you want an excuse to get a fancy letter writing set??!?


I think the art of letter writing has been neglected but I am positive that it's something that won't ever disappear completely, because there will be people like me - strong advocates for writing, communication and stationery! Give it a go, send a letter, I promise the novelty never wears off and it is always wonderful receiving warm words from loved ones in the post,

Thanks for sticking with me whilst I dork out about letters, I hope you feel inspired to start your own letter conversations, there really isn't anything else like it!

With love and light,

Lily