The Lost Art of Hand Written Letters

Written by Ken Bernock | Follow me on Twitter and discuss on Google+.

When was the last time you received a hand written letter? I’m not talking about a post-it note from your partner to take out the garbage or do the dishes.

Remember, it would be a piece of paper constructed of words made from ink or led. The words would be similar to a child’s handwriting just learning how to write. The paper would have marks and crinkles showing that it wasn’t just pulled from a fresh paper stack.

How we connect and transfer our thoughts, feelings and ideas to others has changed drastically over the last 5 years. There’s no secret, change with the times or be left behind.

We choose to contact people through text messaging, email, or calling them on the phone. It’s easier, faster, and that’s how the receiver expects to be contacted.

We now use Twitter and Facebook because it’s guaranteed the receiver will get it. Why? Because we all hover over these platforms waiting for someone to talk to us. We all want to feel important and special. It makes us feel good inside when our name is mentioned or someone responds to an update.

On special occasions like birthdays and holidays we’ll get a card in the mail. Some cards are personal, while others feel mass produced. Sending cards is going extinct just like the dinosaurs.

When was the last time you sent or left a personal hand written letter? It’s a communication that’s dead, making it that much more meaningful.

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In the last 4 months I’ve left close to 25 letters for people. I haven’t sent one in the mail. I enjoy leaving them for people where they’re not expecting it. I’ve found that the surprise adds value to the letter itself.

I almost never sign my name at the end. Everyone knows I’m the only fool to leave a hand written letter in these times. Plus if something goes horribly wrong I can play the deny game to cover my ass.

These surprise letters written by my amazing hand writing consist of whatever is on my mind at the time. This can be dangerous at times.

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People’s first reaction is always confusion. Next they’re calling me laughing and telling me I’m nuts. At the end of the chat they thank me letting me know I’ve made their day.

That’s the reason I leave hand written letters. If you make someone’s day just a little better you’ve just made your day better.

Not once has someone told me to stop and not to do it again. Then again, I haven’t left any hate letters. I don’t recommend you leave any nasty letters either.

Now people are hoping for one of Ken’s crazy letters. Looking on their cars, doors, work space or any other interesting place I leave them.

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In the next couple days write a personal letter in your own hand writing. It can be funny, inspiring, or meaningful. I suggest just writing it and not thinking too much into it. Don’t rewrite it over and over if you make mistakes. Cross out the mistake and continue writing what’s on your mind.

Our best writing is when we just write. Put the pen to paper and let the hand flow.

You do this and I guarantee you will make their day. For that they’ll be thankful.