
A great card makes it clear someone stopped their world and took notice of you - and that they also set aside any rusting writing skills and related apprehension to make it happen. ; )
Big thanks to the amazing Hannah Davis of WFAA-ABC in Dallas for inspiring me to create this list in preparation for an interview with her recently. What an honor it was to spend time with Hannah - and a blast!
I hope the following six tips for a memorable handwritten note help you more confidently select a card, grab a pen and stamp and make someone's day today. : )
1 - Pick a card that innately appeals to you - one you’re drawn to, and you feel will resonate with that person. Trust your gut, and don’t second guess once you have a card in your hands. Grab a pen you like to write with, a stamp, and get busy. The Postal Service will take care of the rest! : )
2 - Be specific in your praise and/or words of affection. If you’re writing a thank you note, mention something in particular that you loved about the event you attended, someone’s thoughtfulness, or, for instance, how you were feeling before their gift arrived, and how you felt afterwards.
3 - The attractiveness of your handwriting is completely insignificant. Your quirky, less-than-perfect penmanship will be cherished, rather than criticized - I promise! As humans, we love seeing one another’s handwriting inside a card (vs. a font) - most of all, because it represents the time someone took time to select something for you, express themselves to you and mail it - all for your benefit, and out of their desire to connect with and appreciate you. Chicken scratch handwriting is the best, most courageous and keepable of all! Remember that in this age, natural imperfections are where it’s at.
4 - Apology notes are important and move mountains. We all make mistakes. It’s how we treat those mistakes and the person we’ve offended that often determine the course of our relationship for the long term. Take the time to send a note written in your own hand. They will never forget it, and your note can be the best healing balm for a difficult situation of any kind.
5 - Avoid devaluing your role in someone’s life. You might be thinking, “Oh, they’d rather hear this encouragement from so-and-so.” Or, "I’m sure their parents tell them this wonderful thing I see in them all the time!” They aren’t hearing it from those other people, for whatever reason. Which is why it’s on your heart to share it! : )
6 - Remember finding a REAL card in the mail is excruciatingly exciting for both men and women - particularly when it’s not your birthday - so send cards for no calendared reason, other than your affection, admiration or appreciation for someone!
xoxo,
Melinda Jones
Founder + Creative Director
Read Between The Lines®