This article was originally purchased by and published for Yahoo.com
Something came in the mail this morning that brightened my day. It was a card from my mom. She is retired, living in Florida. She doesn't own a computer, and there are no teenagers around to teach her to text, so if she wants to write a message, she has to do it the old fashioned way.
According to Hallmark, she is not alone. More than 5 billion greeting cards were purchased and distributed in 2010. That's 5 billion days that were brightened. I wonder how many of them were sent by men? Well, the Greeting Card Association says 80% of their products are purchased by women.
I've probably written more than 12,000 cards in my life. People say that in the age of cell phones and email, handwritten notes are becoming a thing of the past. I hope not. In a violent world with a tough economy, we need all of the encouragement we can get. Still, it is odd to some people when they get a personal, handwritten note from me, a man. Men don't write notes. Well, this one does. Always have. It is just something I enjoy doing. And not just thank you notes, but notes of encouragement or praise as well. In our 14 years of marriage, my wife has saved every greeting card, love poem and thank you note I have ever written her. She's on storage box number three now. On the average, I craft at least one handwritten note per day. I find it helps me relax, takes the focus off of me, and makes me think about others. I would highly recommend it, especially if you are a male. Hand write a note to someone and shock them.
In the Bible we are admonished to "encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). A written note is one of the easiest and more personal ways to do just that.
Lately, I have added a new twist to my note writing. I don't just write a quick note of encouragement or birthday wish. After the original purpose of the note is accomplished, I continue to write about our family and individual lives. What my son is doing in school; what is challenging at work; what trips we have planned. This way the note becomes more like a full-length letter. And it becomes more personal. It is my way of attempting to invest more time in the process and in the person receiving the note.
Proverbs 16:24 says, "Kind words are like honey -- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." This verse inspires me (and maybe you). An encouraging note can be a spiritual and physical blessing to the recipient. Let's be men (and women) who are the givers of blessings!
If you are not like me, inclined to write an encouraging note or card at the drop of the hat, here are some tips on how to get started.
1. Be Mindful. Mark on your calendar or phone or have your personal assistant keep track of special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. These special occasions are the easiest and most reliable reasons to send a card. It is always appropriate and appreciated!
2. Be Thankful. If your associate helps you land that new account, it would be poor business etiquette not to say thanks. But why stop there? Write it out. If your neighbor knows your busy and mows your side lawn for you, buy him a six pack and attach a thank you note. You should say, "Thank you," but you can write it as well.
3. Be Romantic. This is the same concept as number two above, just write to your spouse or significant other instead of your business partner. Whether she is ironing your dress shirt or ironing out your problems with the cable company so you don't have to, write her a note. Believe me, it pays dividends.
4. Be Brief. Yes, I know I wrote that I try to make the card into a full-fledged letter. But I am a professional. I have been doing this for years. You can grow into that. If you are just getting started, keep it simple. One or two lines will do. "Thanks for your help on the project. It was a pleasure working with you."
5. Be Persistent. Think of writing notes like exercising a muscle. It can be painful and awkward at first. It takes time before it feels right and you are using it correctly. Once you get some practice with your pen, you'll definitely be doing the write stuff.
No comments:
Post a Comment