Today is April Fools Day. Doesn’t it seem a little funny to have this silly holiday when we’ve already got a lot of silly going on in the world?
Did you know that April is National Letter Writing month? I’m part of a Facebook group, Write_on, that promotes letter writing. They also have a website with more information. We have a 30 letters in April monthly challenge (sponsored by Egg Press)– Can you send 30 cards in April (one per day)? Given the state of the world and our lives being a bit upside down, I bet you can do this! We have all had the reminder of the importance of slowing down and finding new ways to connect – these are the motivators behind the challenge!
Do you need some ideas of who to write to? Family and friends are the first that come to mind. If you have moved – reach out to people from the previous places you have lived. Think back to someone who maybe you’ve lost touch with because of life – what better time than now to write them a note. Pull out that trusty Christmas card list that only gets the rounds once a year. How about friends you have on social media – ask for their address and send them some snail mail! Many people are feeling isolated right now and getting a card in the mail is a great way to brighten their day. I keep a list of people I send cards to in my “reminders” app on my phone. I also have all their addresses saved in my contacts on my phone – this makes for easy access at any time!
Not sure what to write? Anything! You could let them know what interesting thing you have done this past week – maybe you have a funny story to tell. Do you have a favorite recipe you recently made that you want to share? Perhaps it is a book you read that you can’t stop talking about. If it’s someone you haven’t been in touch with for a while, maybe sharing a fond memory would give them a sense of comforting nostalgia. You could share an inspirational quote or funny joke too.
Ways to make the card extra special! Most people are excited to get snail mail no matter what, but if you are sending a card for a specific occasion it can be fun to make it a little extra. Some of the ways that I do this include adding stickers or original artwork on the envelope. You could make a bookmark or inspirational quote card to include. And if you are feeling extra energetic, you can add a puzzle! Puzzles are one of my favorite gems to put into a birthday card – you can use card stock or thin cardboard and add pictures or a drawing – then simply cut it up into “puzzle” shapes. Your recipient will have a fun surprise when they open their card. I sometimes even decorate both sides so they actually get a two-sided puzzle – how fancy! You could also add in a blank coloring sheet (you can find many online or draw out one with a dark marker!)
I mentioned on a previous post some of my favorite small business card companies – there are a lot of places that are doing specials right now as well to encourage letter writing and card sending. I’ve found that I am enjoying making some of my own cards lately as well – it’s a form of therapy for me, which I think we can all use an extra dose of.
I’d love to cheer you on as you tackle this months challenge – let me know if you are going to participate. I’m also here to help troubleshoot the challenges you are facing! Happy letter writing my friends!!
xoxo, Gretchen