Fellow letter-writers unite! Similar experiences, I've had the same positive feedback, and for some it's the first (only?) personal letter that they've ever re

Fellow letter-writers unite! Similar experiences, I've had the same positive feedback, and for some it's the first (only?) personal letter that they've ever received. I loathed writing "thank you cards" for birthday gifts received, but in retrospect it was helpful and healthy to practice the process. Once you've written a few dozen, it gets easier. Tips: Make a list of your "ride or die" friends (paper, notecard, text file, todo app, whatever). Make sure you have their addresses handy (ie: iOS contacts app). Don't get hung up on special paper or pens (until you like doing it, and it becomes a hobby). Keep a book/pad/clipboard/paperclip with: list, stamps, paper/pen. I've printed off a "guidelines" sheet where I can put copy paper on top of it, but see through some thick black lines which keeps my writing mostly straight. For the truly advanced: "Rolodex of pre-addressed envelopes"... either hand-addressed, printed, labels... who knows. I'm not there yet, but I've often gotten hung up where I write but don't send a letter for weeks/months because honestly it's easy to get distracted and there's generally no urgency to the letter/message. ...then just make it a goal to get through that list at least once per year. I'll often include a picture of the kiddos, or a travel photo, or best case would be a picture of time spent with them. Universally appreciated, often un-reciprocated, but like you: don't stress much about it. People are busy, but it doesn't mean you can't do your part.