So, for the past few years I've kind of had a mild obsession with mail. I love getting the mail everyday, it's one of the things I've taken ownership of at work. My co-workers find it amusing that everyday at 11 I'm out at the mailbox. I know there is nothing in there for me, and there is rarely ever anything interesting in there, but at exactly 11am I pop up out of my desk chair and make my way out doors. It's like a break in my day. Also, and I have no idea why, I think mail trucks are just really adorable.
Obviously checking the mail is one thing, but the best thing about mail is when you get something with your name on it. and even better than that? Getting mail with a real stamp on it. Stamps are the defining point between something that came from a company and something that came from a friend. So I always get over the top excited when I see a little stamp up in the corner of an envelope.
I could go on and on. Let's just move this forward.
Here are 5 reasons why you should send some mail this week:
1. Because you need to be thankful.
I can't stress enough how important it is to take time to be thankful. Chances are there are a lot of people in your life and each one of them adds a certain amount of flavor to your atmosphere, and taking note of that is something that is so valuable on both the giving and receiving ends. So take time to write to a mentor or a close friend and tell them why you are thankful they are a part of your life.
2. It's nice to get something unexpected.
Getting unexpected mail is probably one of my favorite things. It doesn't take a lot of effort to send something in the mail, but it does take more effort than just sending a text, and I really appreciate that little bit of extra effort that someone expends to bring a little smile to my face when they send me something in the mail. If I have a warm fuzzy feeling when some one does that for me, I want to do that for as many people as possible. I like it when people get some unexpected joy.
3. You can be creative and make your own postcards or have reason to buy some cute stationary.
I have very little self control if I find some cute cards that I like. I'm constantly snatching up good card designs when I have the opportunity. If you don't have any on hand, or if you don't have any spare change to buy some you can always make your own postcards, and you can make those out of just about anything. I've been using film photograph prints that I've had sitting in a box for a while now. It gives me a reason to tell people about my adventures in addition to keeping in touch with them.
4. It only costs 47 cents.
Well, I guess postage rates can change sometimes, but right now it only costs 47 cents. That means that no matter where someone is in the world you can send them a hand written letter, a little sketch, or some glitter...anything that can fit in an envelope I guess...for 47 cents. Thats incredible. Distance can be hard on relationships at times, but making an effort to make the distance seem as small as possible is truly beautiful. I think a handwritten note can make it seem a little less far.
5. To make someone smile.
If you have no other reason, do it to just make someone smile. Let the people you care about know that you think about them and love them. Make someones day, yo.
Here is the part where you get out a pen and paper. Get started sending out some USPS love!