I adore handwritten letters. I used to wait for the mail to come with excited anticipation hoping that there was something in the mailman’s delivery just for me. Whether it was a post card, a magazine or a note from my sweet Aunt Martha- I didn’t care. It was the fact that someone, somewhere took time to send me something.
Originally from a small country town in Virginia I’ve grown up living in a tightly knit community of friends and family. When I relocated to Mobile, Alabama (2 years ago this month!) one of the hardest adjustments was not being able to take that small country town with me. In a matter of moments I went from being able to connect instantly with those I love most, to longing for that connection.
Then, I started receiving letters.
They would occur at random, from different people. Full of encouragement, intentionality and home these letters made me feel connected in spite of the distance. They were handwritten, hand crafted pieces of art that someone spent moments thinking about and pouring over. It was as if they had sent a little piece of themselves to me. Though the authors of each letter changed over time, the principle was the same: taking time to write a letter was one of the most thoughtful things someone could do.
This last year, one woman in particular began writing to me. As a family friend, my mom had voiced that I “could always use encouragement” and briefly mentioned my adoration for receiving mail. This sweet woman needed no further encouragement, and quickly I began receiving letters, cards, and precious notes. Her love for me, and for the Lord filled each letter as she asked the big questions about the direction of my life, the ponderings of my heart and my dreams.
I’m embarrassed to say that though her letters were always looked forward to, and one of my biggest gifts, I didn’t always take time to slow down and respond to them.
That didn’t stop her, she kept sending them anyway.
Over the holiday season, when I returned back to my small country hometown, I made a point to thank her personally and voiced my frustration with myself for not responding each time. I expressed my sincere desire to be more intentional in my life and in my business.
But a desire to do something does nothing unless we do something with it.
In her graciousness she chuckled saying that she understood and explained that she just wanted to know the happenings of my heart, because of her love for me. Hearing her say that sparked something in me and “The Letter” was born. Though the handwritten letter is an art that is slowly dying out, the intentionality behind it, the reasoning, taking time to slow down & write life out- I want to keep that goodness alive. I long to be able to write a letter to each of you, one filled with encouragement, life lessons and details of the everyday. So, I’m going to- to anyone who wants one.
In effort to be more intentional each and every month you can expect a letter from me in your inbox. Always on the 15th- because it’s the year of 2015. My latest adventures, encouragements & ramblings will be here, nestled in among pretty pictures & the ripples of life.
But, it gets even better. I want this to be a means of communication, not just a one way ticket to me pouring out my heart on your computer screen. I want to hear about your life to, your goals, your dreams and the pitter patter of your life’s footprints.
To receive The Letter each month, click HERE!
Cheers to 2015 and what it has to offer– I’m SO thrilled that the best is yet to come.
xo
AnnaFilly
I knew we were kindred spirits for a reason! I’m such an advocate for handwritten, I’m thinking about you, letters and I adore your idea for this newsletter. Looking forward to reading your treasures in my inbox each month!!!