Dear Diary, It All Started With a Fountain Pen…
Okay, maybe not a diary. And maybe not a fountain pen (though I do have a soft spot for a good nib). It all started with my grandmother. Every summer, I’d spend a week at her house, a wonderland of floral wallpaper and the scent of freshly baked cookies. And every day, like clockwork, she’d sit at her antique writing desk, uncap her favorite pen, and compose letters.
I used to think it was the most boring activity imaginable. Why write when you could call? Or, you know, send one of those new-fangled “emails” everyone was raving about? But watching her, the way her brow furrowed in concentration, the way her lips curved into a smile when she landed on the perfect turn of phrase, it sparked something in me. It wasn’t just about communication, it was about connection.
Why Snail Mail Still Beats Email: A Heartwarming Story
Fast forward a few years (and several dozen emails) later. My best friend moved across the country. We emailed, we texted, we even video chatted. But something was missing. Then I remembered my grandmother. I dug out some stationery (a unicorn-themed set from middle school, don’t judge), grabbed my favorite pen, and just started writing.
Weeks later, I got a letter back. A real, handwritten letter. And let me tell you, reading her loopy handwriting, deciphering her inside jokes scribbled in the margins, it felt like a tiny piece of her had teleported into my living room. We’ve been writing letters ever since, and it’s become a cherished tradition, a tangible reminder of our friendship that no emoji can replicate.
Beyond Sentimental Value: The Unexpected Perks of Letter Writing
Okay, so handwritten letters are good for the soul. But did you know they come with practical perks too? Here’s the thing:
- They force you to slow down. In a world of instant gratification, taking the time to handwrite a letter is like hitting the pause button on life’s crazy train. It’s mindful, it’s meditative, it’s basically yoga for your brain (without the awkward poses).
