Kindness Through the USPS, Snail Mail Style

The kindness mission still moves along. Today it might be slower, like a snail. We all go to our mailbox expecting the same thing day after day, bills, junk mail, bills, coupons and maybe some more bills. Long gone are the days of handwritten notes. Why take the extra time out when you can tweet, type, text, Facebook, email or even Skype. While all of those ways are great to keep in touch with people, isn’t it lovely to walk out to the mailbox, peek inside and see a note, card or a letter in someone’s actual handwriting and addressed to you?

It might not be the grandest act of kindness, but I sent a handwritten card to a new friend that I met a couple of months ago. I am known in some circles as a collector of friends. I love people. It’s so interesting to meet someone that can add something to your life, and while some people drift in and out, some you hope to stand the test of time to become a part of your days forever. I was fortunate enough to meet someone at the workplace years ago who fell out of touch. Recently, we were able to work together in different roles. I sold him a new home.  It’s so interesting how life works to bring people back together is strange circumstances. 

During the process I was privileged enough to meet his cousin, who, after less than an hour, I had a kinship with. She's the type of woman who can put a smile on your face the second you meet her, so unpretentious, real, a true salt-of-the-Earth person who would do anything for you. We have shared so many laughs in the time we have spent together, and when I found out she wouldn’t be able to come with all of us on Saturday night, I was already missing her. She’s a bit under the weather, so I thought I would take the time out to write her a note to let her know I’m here if she needs anything, and we are all looking forward to good times ahead.

Last year, it was a resolution to write more letters and cards to the people in my life that mean something to me, and while I didn’t do it as much as I wanted to, I did try and I am doing it again this year and in years to come. I can’t tell you how bad I feel that I still have addressed thank-you cards for the little man’s birthday. I haven’t sent out holiday cards to save on expenses and being greener (the second part makes it sound better right?). The next challenge to you and myself is maybe you are being kinder and seeking out opportunities to do more kind acts. Now find a couple of people that mean something in your life and tell them, in your words, in your handwriting, to show how much they mean to you.