Dearest Readers,
This entry, I have decided to submit to you my entry in a fashion most unnatural to many of our generation, however it is by the end of this article that I hope that I will have made a connection with you, dear reader; showing you how valuable and important this form of communication is. Many of us are quite comfortable with a phone or another form of electronic device. Those born in the early 2000’s have had an advantage over our predecessors, as today information can be sent around the world in a matter of minutes; however this efficiency comes with a price. Emails, text messaging, DM’s and social media have all been nothing less of a blessing during a time where social interaction and physical communication have all but been snuffed out by COVID-19; however these forms of communication while helpful lack substance and emotion, providing little comfort for those who thrive on interaction during this time. An alternative method must be utilised.
As you have probably deduced the title of my article this week the alternative that I will be suggesting is letter writing. I, like many others, have felt cut off from the general population, as many of my daily activities such as going to school, competing in speech and debate and singing have been postponed or shut down for the year. In order to combat this feeling of loneliness, I have taken to wiring letters to my friends and family, extending a hand-or envelope- to build a connection with a time tested form of intimate communication. For many, receiving letters can actually be quite beneficial to their mental health. Maud Arnold, a writer for My Postcard, goes into detail about the positive physiological effects of writing a letter. “Writing down your thoughts on paper provides you with a handy way to alleviate stress, loneliness, and anxiety, particularly if you’re abroad. One of the many benefits of writing letters is that they are a beautiful, timeless gift. You can write a love letter or a message of support to someone who might be having a bad day and they will cherish it forever. They can put it on the fridge, keep it on their desk or even frame it and hang it up in their home! The person you have sent it to will be touched by the amount of effort you’ve put in to write them an actual letter. ”(Arnold). These words by mrs Arnold, in my opinion, provide a perfect reason to whip out a typewriter or a pen and start writing. As she and I have both put it, so many people have felt disconnected from the outside world as they shut themselves inside in the name of quarantine. While forms of communication such as text messaging can be considered useful, letterwiring adds a whole new level of personal to your correspondence, giving joy to your recipient's heart, as they realise the amount of time and effort you put into writing to them.
This second portion of my article this week is actually more personal than previous paragraphs, and will not include evidence as so many before have had. I would like to take a short time to talk about the general format of a letter instead of telling you why you should write one. As I said in my opening paragraph, I wish to show you, dear reader, how special a letter can be if personalised with your own well… personality. I find seals to be one of the most unique ways to personalise a letter. Traditional red wax is used to signify a general communicade, while any other is usually just a unique expression of one's self or an invite to a formal event. In the case that you are letter carriers of bad news, black is traditionally a signifier of somber news. I would suggest if you are going to use a black seal and youre letter bears no bad news, you should say so in your first sentence, however this could get tiring after a while.Another wonderful way to add a crest header to your letter. If you are like me and use a typewriter to write out most of your personal communications-which I am assuming you are not, but it doesn't matter because this suggestion is still relevant-then you will most definitely want a crest on your letter. This crest is usually your family or some image that again syncs with your personality. Finally, I would like to leave you with one more suggestion to make your letter truly reflect your personality. The envelope. Depending on what type of person you are, you can choose from a multitude of envelopes ranging in size, colour, and material. This can then be accented with your own handwriting addressing your letter to your recipient. Overall there are a plethora of different advantages to making your letter truly unique. Below I have included a link where you're able to find numerous creative ways to add personal failure to yore ;etter; but at the end of the day, it is not what the letter looks like, but rather what it contains: Heartfelt sentiment, written for someone you care about.
I think that is where I will leave my letter for this week. I understand that man of you will find this entry odd, as unlike my others, I have not addressed a topic that is greatly discussed, opting to rather focus on a subject that seems to belong in the past; however it is my hope that this article can shed light on the wonderful art that is letter writing, and that it can help create a new outlet for those who wish to create a deeper connection with those they cherish in these unprecedented times. Remember: There is always the possibility of a better tomorrow, what can you do to make it a reality?
Warmest Regards,
Jeremy Elwell