Posted on Wednesday, 3rd February 2010 by Catherine

Are the days of using good old pen and paper a thing of the past?   How about handwriting a note to a friend?  When was the last time you wrote a note to someone?

You may not even have a pen and paper handy which is not surprising with e-mail, twitter, Facebook, texting, iphones, blackberries, instant messages you may be thinking WHY on earth would I need to write a note.

Specifically for that reason – NO one ever does it any more.  A few weeks ago I got the card shown above from an old friend.  It made my day!

Here are some reasons why you should use a pen instead of e-mail every now and again.

1. It shows you care - it takes time to write a note, address it and mail it.  No, not a ton of time but more time than shooting off an e-mail.

2. It is MUCH more personal. If you are thinking of someone it is nice to tell them so and while Facebook might be an acceptable medium nothing compares to getting a note or card in the mail.

3. It becomes a tangible keepsake. I save cards and notes (not all  of them but some).  I re-read them and always smile when I do.  It is a great pick me up (especially notes from my mom who passed 4 years ago)

4. You will be helping someone add more “ing” to their life because when they get your note they will be smilING.

5. It makes you feel good to do something nice for someone else.  Feeling good is contagious.

6. When you are someone who sends a handwritten note or card you are turning the ordinary (going to the mailbox and retreiving the mail) into the extraordinary for your friend or loved one.

Sending a note or a card for no reason is such a thoughtful and small act of kindness.  It is also very important to think of people in their time of need.

When you know a friend is struggling, send a card – write your thoughts by hand and share with them how you are there for them on this journey of life that often is unfair, difficult and mixed-up.  We want to believe we have a cheer-leading section but reading it first hand is so much more meaningful. Nothing says “I care about you” – more than those words written in a note.

This does not have to be an “expensive” endeavor – you can find inexpensive stationery at Target or Wal-Mart.  You can also order personalized fun stationery at sites like Expressionery, or Scribbles-n-Such which has tons of $5 items.

I keep at least one note or card either in my purse or in my car so when I find I have a couple of minutes while waiting at the Dr. or to pick up my kids I can write a note.

Put on your thoughtful shoes and make a point to send 11 cards or notes this year…one per month  for the rest of 2010.  Make someones day a little more special.

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