A byproduct of The Writing Project was developing what I’ll
call “Ten Things I Learned From Composing Handwritten Notes.” There are no great epiphanies or
surprising revelations within the list.
They do, however, present my attempt to sum up my year-long experiences
and thoughts. So, in no particular
order, my Top Ten.
1.
People really, really appreciate a handwritten card or
letter. I have received
dozens of thank yous over the past twelve months for the notes I have mailed to
individuals. The key word is "mailed," as opposed to hand-delivered or sent via a campus mail system. There is something extra special about finding a personalized card mixed in within all the junk mail and circulars that arrive at home. The responses have
been truly heartfelt and sincere.
I quickly realized that my thesis was indeed true—very few of us compose
handwritten missives anymore and receiving one is highly prized.
2.
There does not have to be a specific reason to write
to someone. Sometimes I
laughed when a friend would ask why I sent them a letter. Did they do something wrong? Did they forget an important date or
event? No, I would respond. I just wanted to send you a note. I think the biggest reaction from
people came when they were least expecting to have a handwritten card from me arrive
in their mailbox.
3.
Don’t expect a response. Yes, it was nice to have the tables
turned and I would become the recipient of a piece of correspondence, but that
was not why I began this journey.
However, while I was not flooded with cards, many people genuinely
acknowledged my notes when we would meet face-to-face.
4.
Cards are kept as keepsakes. I have been stunned at the number of individuals
that have told me the note I sent them is sitting on their desk. It instantly became a beloved
possession to be cherished and treasured.
I have been humbled every time a person related this story to me.
5.
Handwriting a note does not take much time. The hardest part of composing some form of correspondence
is forcing yourself to sit down to write.
Once I actually seated myself at a table, pen in hand the words flowed
effortlessly. It was just dragging
myself to that darn desk.
6.
Think of pre-writing your cards. Sometimes my words just cascaded off
the tip of my fountain pen. Other
times I felt the need to write a draft or two before committing my words to
paper. This allowed for more reflection,
when necessary, on my part.
7.
You don’t have to write a tome. Very few of my cards were of great
length. As I ‘ve told students
taking essay exams—it’s not the quantity, but the quality of the writing that
counts.
8.
Be open and honest in your thoughts. It is effortless to mechanically write
a note with no heart or feeling.
That is the easy way out when composing a piece of correspondence. However, while surely appreciated, the
overall impact will fall flat.
Take the time and energy to impart your true sentiments. In an earlier post I wrote, “a thoughtful notecard truly
demonstrates the worth and value we place on someone.” How true.
9.
A handwritten card is a chance to rekindle
relationships. My Writing
Project has given me the excuse to reconnect with friends, relatives, and
professional colleagues I have lost touch with over the years. While we are not all-of-a-sudden on-going
pen pals the renewed association has allowed us to forge a bond that had become
tenuous.
10.
A handwritten note has recuperative powers. I was astonished by the number of
people that were so deeply affected and gratified upon receiving one of my
cards. I heard such comments as “You
don’t know how much your card meant to me.” or “Your card came at a very difficult
time for me. Thank you.” Bottom line—you never, never know the magnitude
a handwritten note will have on someone.
As I type these final words I have become somewhat melancholy
and wistful. This is it. No more daily writing. No further sharing of thoughts and feelings
via this blog. I will be
continuing to write notes and letters, just not at the pace I pursued this past
year. That will be the legacy of The Writing Project—to keep the lost art of handwritten correspondence alive and well,
at least in my own little corner.