March 1-7th of each year is National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week. This is a great way to start out the month of March, as well as welcome a new refreshing attitude for the change of seasons. It’s also a great way to show your gratitude toward those in your life who make a daily impact. From your parents, spouse, children, teachers or mentors—to even your local barista or retailer—a simple handwritten note of appreciation is a great way to brighten their day.
It’s also a great way to rekindle the lost art of the handwritten letter. In our previous blog entry Why, Thank You!, we talked about how technology has transformed the primary ways of communication. The digital age has allowed us to instantly send instant messages and emails to each other, but the meaning and personalization seems to have been lost. Handwritten letters take extra time and consideration with sending and composing, and therefore are more treasured keepsakes.
Many individuals who are presented with the task of writing a letter at first don’t know where to begin. If you are one of the few who is at a loss on where to begin, just remember, letter writing is just another means of communication. When writing, you should express your thoughts the same way as you would when carrying on a conversation. Your words should be natural, original, and above all, sincere.
When writing a formal handwritten letter, include the following parts:
The date
Your address
Salutation
Body
Complementary Closing
Signature
Postscript if necessary
Now, take a moment or two and send a letter of appreciation. It’s simple, easy to do, and you will make someone else smile.
Posted on March 6, 2012
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