How often do you intend to sit down to write a letter or thank you note? How often do you actually do just that, sit down, put pen to paper and drop the letter or thank you note in the mail? According to the United States Postal Service, with the exception of packages, every major category of mail has shrunk. Are you part of the problem? Do you have a stylish stash of stationery to jot a quick note or word of endearment to a friend or loved one should the need arise? At a minimum, you should have a stash of stylish stationary for just such an occasion. There’s nothing worse than needing to do something (fix something, make something) and not have the right tools, right? Imagine trying to go for a run but not having proper running shoes . . . Ok, I digress.
Technology seems to be taking the place of manners. Now, don’t get me wrong – I love my iPhone and I’d be lost without my iPad, but I HATE receiving a text message as a thank you note. Really? If someone takes time out of their busy schedule to buy you a gift, do something thoughtful/helpful/kind is a text message or email they proper way to show your appreciation? The answer is No. It’s not. Is it faster to send a text message or email? Yes, without a doubt, we are attached to our smartphones. But, just because something is easy doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.
We’re all busy, busy comes with the territory nowadays. Kids are over-scheduled, parents are over-scheduled – there’s so much to do and so little time. But, we all make time to do the things we want to do. So, why should that be any different when it comes to being polite? This may seem to imply that if you don’t take the time to send a thank you note, for example, that your intention is to be rude. It’s not. I know it’s not and most likely the person hoping to receive a handwritten thank you note knows it too. However, why not get in the practice of writing letters and thank you notes? Expressing gratitude could make you happier and it will definitely set a great example for your children. Here are 3 easy tips to help you carve out some time to write letters:
None of this is rocket science. But, it does take time to get some systems in place and figure out how to make things work for you. One of my goals for 2015 was to be more organized and mindful. I’d give my self a B/B- for the year so far … I remind myself that we’re all works in progress and that there’s no such thing as perfection. So, with that said here’s to you for trying!
P.S. If you’re looking for tips on how to write a thank you note, click here to get my FREE downloadable thank you note template (you can thank me later!)
