TEACHING THE ART OF LETTER WRITING

Sitting down to write a letter is a great way to process your thoughts, share gratitude and practice slowing down. It’s never too early (or too late) to build a routine of letter writing into your life, or to help someone else start theirs.

Here are some recommendations for teaching others (or yourself) the art of letter writing:

• Become a pen pal! Maybe to a cousin who lives far away. Exchange drawings, observations, or tell them about something that is making you happy. Maintain writing if you receive a letter back.

• Send a thank you when you receive a gift or when someone does something special for you. Expressing gratitude with a letter is a great, tangible way to show your appreciation to a person. Try expressing your gratitude for the little things: Write your friend who showed you something new, or invited you to a fun get-together. Write your neighbor and tell them how much you appreciate the beautiful flowers in their garden.

• Just say hi! Outreach and connection are fundamental steps in fostering a sense of community. Do you love animals? Write to a local veterinarian and tell them about the amazing work they do. Do you love to read? Write to your local librarian and ask them about their favorite book.

Start building the habit today!