Digital technologies have given a whole new meaning to the word Connection. My guest, Connection Messenger* Annette Petrick has embraced many of these as much as I have, but in this 90-second episode, she offers a gentle reminder of some old-fashioned connection tools that will never go out style.
All these intricate, modern communication devices. What is their advantage again? Faster? More direct? Most of the time, yes. But not if you forget your password, hit the wrong key, or fall victim to online shenanigans – someone else’s or your own.
I’m not advocating dismantling your electronic marvels. Just suggesting you don’t give up on traditional communications that hold value – old fashioned, handwritten messages. Short ones are just fine. Two young friends, away at college, both solicit letters from home. Mail call is precious to soldiers. Those recovering are buoyed by get-well greetings. A parent and grown-up child connect readily when – “I love you” arrives in a parent’s handwriting, with a heart and Xs on the bottom.
We recently heard a lot about the love letters written to Nancy Reagan by her husband Ronald. So romantic and sincere. Somehow a retained email or Facebook post may not have the same impact. So go ahead and tweet and have a love affair with your iPhone. But be sure you add some handwritten words now and then, that are worthy of being stashed in a special place, to convey caring sentiments in the future as well as today.
Thanks much.
Annette Petrick for Consider This
Annette Petrick is the creative genius and inspired storyteller behind the Consider This Radio Show, featuring dozens of colorful 90-second episodes serving up “timely perspectives on life, love, friends, family, giving back, and giving thanks.” You’ll laugh, cry, rant, cheer, or remember. Be sure to get on her email list HERE to receive a new episode every Sunday morning.
* What’s a Connection Messenger? At Heartspoken, a Connection Messenger is someone who helps point the way to strengthening one of life’s essential connections: with God, with self, with others, or with nature.
Travel post cards are a great idea, Elizabeth. Have you ever seen a bulletin board in a teenagers room, loaded with post cards from exotic places sent by traveling grandparents? And now, Road Scholar offers intergenerational travel. Sounded really enticing.
Post cards! I LOVE sending post cards, Karen. At an auction, I bought a box of antique Christmas post cards from the 1920s. What delightful reactions I had from those who received those cards with their short, personal, handwritten messages.
Also had good success sending hand-signed business post cards with a short, punchy message. Check the creative post cards available from many sources today – like Vistaprint.
Now this has me thinking more about postcards too — what a great reminder that we can turn our own photos into postcards through many of these easy-to-use services like Vistaprint. It also reminds me to be on the lookout for vintage postcards or even packages of tourist postcards when I travel.
There is nothing – nothing – better than getting a hand written note, or even a postcard, in the mail. It means that person thought enough of me to
Get a card
Get a pen
Write
Put it in an envelope
Put a stamp on it
It means way more than a quickly typed message. I am so afraid that my child’s children will never understand this.
That is so, so true! And I love the fact that you included postcards — I think so many people don’t write because they think it’s got to be a long letter. There is so much pleasure and love conveyed in a simple postcard too.
Not only kids, Elizabeth. I have two young friends who are away at college. Both of them openly solicited friends and relatives to write to them. They respond infrequently, or by email, but when I see either of them, they always comment on how much they enjoy the task of making out my scribbled hand writing bearing new, gossip and accomplishments occurring at “home.” I send occasional goody bags too. Nothing significant – nail polish, books, a new color lipstick, gas gift card, costume jewelry, desk item. Those always receive a warm reception as well
Of course, you’re so right! I still love getting handwritten notes and cards!
You’re right about the joy children get by receiving mail. I can remember the excitement as a child on the rare occasion when my mom handed me an envelope from the mail with MY name on it. The enclosure was never a bill or an advertisement, as it might be if I received it today. An envelope received by a child is KNOWN to contain a treasure – of words, emotions or maybe even money! Just be sure to print your message today, as cursor is now a dinosaur. Too bad. I still enjoy seeing my mom’s graceful hand writing.
Annette, I am amazed at the emotional impact of seeing my father’s distinctive handwriting — and I love seeing my mother’s handwriting on an envelope in the mail, even today.I love your description of opening the mail as a child — “KNOWN to contain a treasure” — yes indeed!
Nothing takes the place of a handwritten note or letter. Nothing. I have dozens of cards saved from the special times my husband has written a few loving words on a card. He’s a man of few words, so these cards mean so much. Now, I’m off to make some ‘funny’ cards for my grandkids who live far away. I hear they get a kick out of receiving these in the mail. :=-)
I still have a stack of letters my grandfather typed for me on his manual typewriter! Oh, I do hope grandchildren enjoy getting these missives, because I”m planning to send mine a whole bunch!