“You can’t just send a picture, you have to send a piece of yourself.”
The Lost Art of Letter Writing
In an era dominated by digital communication, the art of letter writing has been slowly fading away. With the rise of social media, email, and text messaging, people have become increasingly reliant on instant gratification and brevity. However, for Terry Craig, the act of writing a letter is a labor of love that requires time, effort, and dedication.
The Joy of Handwriting
Craig’s love affair with letter writing began when he was a child. His grandmother would write him letters every week, filled with stories of her life, family, and experiences. These letters were more than just a means of communication; they were a tangible connection to the past, a reminder of the love and care that went into every word.
The Challenge Begins
Craig’s letter-writing challenge starts on April 1st. He begins by writing letters to friends and family members, but he also makes a conscious effort to write to people he doesn’t know, such as his mail carrier, the postman, and the owner of the local coffee shop. He wants to show that even the most mundane tasks can be made meaningful by taking the time to write a heartfelt letter. Some of the letters he writes are about everyday things, like his favorite recipes or the latest news he’s read. Others are more personal, sharing stories about his life, his family, and his experiences.*
The Benefits of Letter Writing
As Craig continues to write letters, he starts to notice the benefits of this activity. He finds that it helps him to:
Medium matters most when it comes to message effectiveness.
He believes that the way a message is conveyed can greatly impact its effectiveness. For instance, a well-crafted email can be more effective than a poorly written one, even if the content is the same. This is because the tone, language, and formatting can all contribute to the overall impact of the message.
The Power of Medium
Craig emphasizes the importance of considering the medium when crafting a message. He suggests that the medium can greatly influence the way the message is received and understood.
The Importance of Reflecting on the Past Year
As the year comes to a close, many of us take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and what we’ve learned. For Craig, a high school teacher, this reflection is not just about looking back on the past year, but also about sharing his experiences with his students.
The Benefits of Reflecting on the Past Year
Reflecting on the past year can have numerous benefits for individuals, including:
The Power of Physical Letters
Craig believes that physical letters have a unique ability to convey emotions and create a sense of intimacy. In an era where digital communication dominates our lives, physical letters offer a refreshing respite from the monotony of screens. They provide a tangible connection to the writer, allowing the recipient to hold and touch the letter, and even smell the ink. Physical letters can be kept and treasured, serving as a reminder of a special moment or person in our lives. They also offer a sense of permanence, as the letter cannot be deleted or erased like an email or text.
The Benefits of Physical Letters
Craig’s love for physical letters is not just about the emotional connection they provide, but also about the benefits they offer. Here are some of the advantages of writing and receiving physical letters:
The Art of Letter Writing
Craig’s passion for letter writing is not just about the benefits, but also about the art of the craft itself. Here are some tips for writing a beautiful and meaningful letter:
As a renowned letter writer and founder of the “Handwritten Letter Project,” Craig has dedicated his life to spreading the joy of handwritten correspondence through his work.
The Power of Handwritten Letters
Handwritten letters have the unique ability to transcend time and space, allowing us to connect with others on a deeper level. In an era dominated by digital communication, handwritten letters offer a refreshing respite from the monotony of screens and keyboards. By putting pen to paper, we can express ourselves in a more personal and intimate way, conveying emotions and thoughts that may be lost in the digital realm. Key benefits of handwritten letters include: + Increased emotional connection with the recipient + More personal and intimate expression + Ability to convey complex emotions and thoughts + A tangible keepsake that can be treasured for years to come
The Handwritten Letter Project
Terry Craig’s “Handwritten Letter Project” is a labor of love that aims to inspire others to rediscover the joy of handwritten correspondence.
