“There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women.” -Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Something simple and extraordinary happened a few weeks ago.
In our household we no longer receive very many holiday cards and I get it. I stopped sending them a year or two ago and to be honest, I’m not sure why. I enjoy receiving cards and don’t really mind slowing down to select pretty, soothing images reflecting holiday cheer. I think what gave me pause was the haphazardness of not knowing dear one’s physical addresses. I’m not very organized, you see…
Somewhere my oh-so-refined mother-in-law Maxine is sighing. She taught me better – she with the most gorgeous teal and gold tooled address book. It was one of her treasures, keeping her connected with friends and family before digital everything became the norm. You know what I mean – ubiquitous emails, snapchats, IG, WhatsApp and more…no stamps required.
But I can get tough with myself when I need to. When I feel compelled to send a package or, more often it seems, a sympathy or get well greeting. I dive into my messy desk drawer and the sea of saved envelopes (returning address labels save me) as I search for street addresses, house numbers, zip codes.
Yes. Before you ask, I am acquainted with the handy tool known as an Excel spreadsheet, but I find them tedious, much to hubby Paul’s frustration. One too many forays into the land of pivot tables sends me screaming. No, no and no. Thank you.
This post is sounding like a confessional…but stick with me.
This year the flow of in-bound holiday cards chez Atkinson dwindled to zilch in the days before Christmas – nothing in the mail for several days. A few wayward cards arrived around New Year’s, a little rumpled and worse for wear. As the woeful, non-card sending heretic, I didn’t care. Cards delayed are still welcome. Including a unique envelope which caught my attention.
What to my wondering eyes should appear?
A handwritten envelope, all yellow with cheer!
I received a thank you note…a handwritten thank you note…from my favorite Soul Cycle instructor. And it stopped me in my tracks (or mid-spin?).
Who knew my allegiance to a fun-loving, 70’s vibing, spin teacher would result in “top 5 rider” status pour moi. My fave teacher slowing her roll to send a note of gratitude made my day. Scratch that. Made my week.
I knew she was on IG from comments she’d made in class, so I looked her up and messaged a thank you…for the thank you…to let her know her outreach and kindness was fabulous. She motivates me to move my body and gets me giggling in class – commiserating about life’s challenges. Yup. Through a screen. Not unlike the interactions I love with each of you, visiting each other, sharing our stories through technology.
All of which made me think about Wynne Leon’s recent podcast interview with Amy Weinland Daughters, the author of “Dear Dana”. Amy’s book is terrific and if you needed a reminder about the power of kindness and empathy, conveyed in heartfelt handwritten letters, her book will inspire. I promise. Here’s a clip from Wynne’s “How to Share” interview with Amy:
Here’s to the power of the pen.
Treasuring handwritten notes, letters – even recipe cards from days gone by. You pick! Although it might be more expeditious to send a DM or an email…when the opportunity arises, putting pen to paper…sealed with a smile is a marvelous gift.
Vicki 💝
How to Share Impactfully with Social Media Friends – Surprised By Joy
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Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.
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Victoria Ponders 
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