Dear Readers,
The other day, I contemplated on how the world we live in is filled with texts, emojis, and video calls, and the art of writing letters seems like a relic of the past. Yet, across centuries and cultures, letters have served as one of humanity’s most powerful ways to connect, inspire, and remember.
Long before the tap of a keyboard, messages traveled the world in ink and parchment. As far back as 500 BCE, Persians, Romans, and Egyptians sent messages written on papyrus scrolls. These weren’t casual updates but were part of trade records, politics, and personal affairs. During the medieval era, monks illuminated manuscripts with gold leaf and careful calligraphy, turning letters into works of art. Royal courts exchanged diplomatic missives that could start or stop wars. During the age of exploration, letters became lifelines across the oceans. Sailors wrote home from distant ports, their words carrying tales of adventure and longing to families who might not see them for years. During the Victorian era of the 19th century came the infamous love letters, a genre of writing that was intermingled with devotion and a whole lot of hope.
While today’s communication is faster, something is often lost in the rush. A letter slows us down and invites reflection. When you write by hand, every word is chosen with more care, every sentence shaped for the reader in mind.
Letters can be keepsakes because a text can be deleted in a swipe, but a letter can be folded, tucked into a drawer, and rediscovered years later. They are time capsules because they capture not only words but also the emotion and handwriting of a moment in time. In an age where attention is scattered, a letter says, “You mattered enough for me to stop, sit, and write to you.”
Writing a letter can be transformative. For the recipient, receiving a letter in the mail is like opening a gift; it’s tactile, personal, and full of human warmth. So, pick your favorite tools, be it a simple notebook, a fountain pen, or a piece of cute stationery. Write to share memories, ask questions, and let your personality shine. Don’t worry about perfection. The real beauty is in the authenticity, not in flawless grammar. Send it, even if it feels small. A short note can have a bigger impact than you think.
Letters are bridges between hearts, woven in ink. In an era where most messages vanish in seconds, a handwritten letter can become a lasting treasure. The art of letter writing isn’t lost—it’s simply waiting for us to pick up a pen and let it live again.
Carmen Monica Oprea 