Do you remember the absolute joy of going to the mailbox as a child and finding an envelope addressed to you? I can distinctly remember those feelings of excitement to see my name on an envelope that made its trek through the Postal Service, the thoughts of guessing who it could be from, and the anticipation of what wonderful letter would be inside. It never got old.
My mind goes back to letters from camp friends written in colorful markers, bright colored envelopes arriving around my birthday with a card from a thoughtful family member, or an invitation to a special event for a friend. In my mind, I can still see my grandmother’s small, loopy cursive, my best friend’s multi-colored bubble letters, and my grandfather’s architect-style print with a note just for me. These envelopes and their contents brought me joy every time, and I often saved them to reread and treasure.
So much of that childhood feeling catches up with us as adults when we find an envelope with our name handwritten on it in the mailbox. In the midst of our busy lives and mailboxes usually filled with bills or junk mail, the unexpected joy of knowing someone took the time to write us a note or send an invitation is such a boost that lasts much longer than just that moment.
In the new year, I resolved to write more notes, so I sent a few last week. I wrote a note thanking friends who hosted my big family for a wonderful night in their home. I also sent a note to an old friend who just came to my mind—I wanted to thank her for being so good to my husband and me when we moved across the country to her home city of San Diego 15 years ago. I was given so much joy as I thought of the ways I could thank, encourage, and appreciate these friends. One of them texted me to tell me how much she appreciated the note, and we plan to get together this spring despite living in different cities. That little note laid the groundwork for reconnecting old friends, which was a sweet surprise.
I’d like to encourage us all to bring more of that joy and encouragement back to the mailboxes of those we love by starting a Pen and Ink Revival. All you have to do is send a handwritten note to someone in your care . . . a friend, a child, a neighbor, your coworker, parents, a special teacher, etc. Make someone’s day and give them some encouragement they can reread and hang on to. Let’s share the sweet boost of being cared for.
A simple and beautiful Pen and Ink Revival . . . will you join me?
Originally published on the author’s blog
by Janelle Sims 
