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Taking the Time To Reconnect “In Real Life”

 

I don’t know about you, but I’m not great at keeping up with friends and I don’t think Facebook helps one bit. It gives this false sense of connectedness, where you see what people are doing and you know what’s going on in their lives so you feel no need to pick up the phone or *gasp* write a letter anymore.

I fully admit that I go months without talking to some of my closest friends. Sure, I click “like” on their clever Facebook quips and leave a quick one-word comment when they Instagram adorable photos of their kids posing with Mickey at Disney World. But it never occurs to me to pick up the phone and see how they’re *really* doing.

How long has it been since YOU called your best friend just to chat? Or dropped a thoughtful card in the mail just because?

That’s is one reason I’m enjoying this Hallmark campaign. It’s giving me the nudge to do just that.

It helps that a box of adorable cards like these lands on my front porch every month.

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This month when the box arrived on my doorstep, it contained an assortment of every day greetings including cards from their Signature Collection, the Sarah Jessica Parker collection, Life is Good and Shoebox — my long-time favorite Hallmark collection! (I’m a sucker for a snarky card.)

I poured a glass of wine and spent some time sorting through them and choosing the perfect recipient for each one.

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Dontcha love my fluffy little companion? She likes to be where the action is.

It was refreshing to step away from the computer and take the time to write heartfelt messages to some of my dear friends who I haven’t reached out to in a while. You don’t realize how many distractions are lurking inside that compelling computer screen until you step away for a bit.

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Here’s the funny thing. My hands have almost forgotten how to write. No lie, I have a hard time forming words with pen and paper.

I first noticed this when I tried to write my sentiments on these cards, and I noticed it again yesterday when I was filling out a form for my kids’ camp. I used to have incredibly neat handwriting, and I could change it on a whim depending on my mood. Now I can barely write legibly. It’s a sad commentary on how our culture has evolved in the past ten years. I fear that one day soon, handwriting is going to be a lost art.

It took me a while, but I managed to write several notes to good friends who I haven’t spoken to in a while. I hope they enjoy opening their mailboxes and finding a personal note from a friend among the bills and catalogs.

This post is the fourth in a six-month series sponsored by Hallmark. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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16 Responses

  1. I LOVE this. Funny, I wrote a few cards out for teachers at our kids school and my handwriting was awful!! I had to literally re-do them. I love this idea and think that I might follow in your footsteps and sent out some cards this summer – I know I love getting a special note from someone, so I know that it will truly make someone elses day!

  2. I love this! I’d love to get back into the “old fashioned” groove of sending cards out. I love it, but as you said facebook gives us a false sense of closeness. (I know just what ya mean about not being able to write too!)

  3. What a great reminder! I have tried pick journaling back up and I agree, my hands are losing the ability to write. I love this reminder to send out a card to those you love. That is also a beautiful picture of you!! xoxo

  4. JO-LYNNE!! I feel the same exact way–it’s nuts how difficult it is to actually write anymore, with all of the typing we do! FABULOUS post. I love it, and I truly think it is a great reminder that we all need to take a minute to unplug, drop an old pal (or family member!) a note, and take time to connect in real life–beyond the screen.

    *hugs!*

  5. I didn’t see the name of the Hallmark campaign, would love to have a monthly shipment of cards. Can you please email it to me, or repost (there was no accessible link if you already did so). Thanks so much!

    1. Joyce, they send several bloggers cards to facilitate these posts as a part of a media campaign, but wouldn’t that be awesome if you could sign up for a service where they deliver a box of cards to your door every month!? Maybe they’ll consider that! 🙂

  6. I love this. I was just talking to my husband about the lack of anything fun in our mailbox anymore – it’s all bills and junk mail! My grandma used to write to me all the time, and it was so fun opening and reading her cards. I guess if I want to get letters in the mail, I need to send some myself. Thanks for the reminder!

  7. That would be FANTASTIC and a great marketing tool for them…just like Birchbox! Thanks for getting back to me…via email 😉

  8. My hand writing just about fell to pieces. I love the thought of receiving or sending handwriting cards. I am usually good about sending some cards around Christmas. I try to make each thoughtful message in the back unique. Emphasis on try 🙂

  9. I used to LOVE to send cards but don’t do it much anymore. I think I’ll work on that!

    I’m in the same boat with my handwriting. My kids (teenagers) are even worse. They hardly have to write anything and when they do, it’s a mess!

  10. I love this! Mainly because I love getting snail mail too. The girls and I were invited to a monthly mail playdate where we can mail letters and cards to anyone, but basically getting back to the basics and giving the girls a chance to learn about life without email *LOL*

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