May
12
2010
12
2010
Send Happiness
Filed under: Mail
Mail makes me sooooo happy. Jump for joy happy. Do a little dance happy. Who DOESN’T love mail? And I’m talkin’ about REAL, handwritten, “made with love” mail. The good stuff.
Mail has the power to completely change the course of one’s day. Coming home to a delicious package filled with goodies can keep me on cloud nine for a week! It makes me sad that our collective dependence on the Internet has taken away so much of this connection with others. Don’t get me wrong, the Internet does have the power to create connection. But when you receive a real piece of mail from someone, it tells you before you even open it up, that YOU MATTER TO THEM. They stopped what they were doing in their day…and they decided to brighten yours.
I feel very blessed to have amazing friends and family who continue to send little boxes of love my way, even when firing off an email would be much less work. Here is a list of some of the goodies I’ve received from friends in the past…and a list of ideas for YOU to bless your friends with!
- Books/Journals
- Yummy soaps
- Incense
- Dread beads
- Silks/Scarves
- Food
- Tea
- Beanbags/Toys
- Artwork
- Jewelry
- Cool kitchen towels
- Stickers
This habit of sending love in a box didn’t develop overnight…it’s blossomed and grown as I’ve received packages from others and have taken note of their acts of kindness towards me. Here are a few pointers on how to begin this practice:
Start An Envelope
If you’re at a store and see something that catches your eye, and you think, “that would be perfect for…”, then you should buy it! Take it home and start an envelope for them. You don’t have to mail it that day, or even that month. I always have a few padded manila envelopes going to collect items for people over time. When they get full enough, I write a little note and send it out. Don’t forget to be a little crazy. Nothing is too small or inconsequential to throw into an envelope for someone. In a recent letter, my sweet Becky sent me a bird feather. It was just a small little thing, but my heart jumped when I opened it. The fabulous Catina Jane is also well-known for her envelopes of crazy love. It’s also fun to send a “theme” package like this one … Mermaids!
Type it Up
If typing a letter is easier for you…then type! Even if you could type the same letter by email…just the printing it out, signing it with a handwritten quote, etc. and adding one tea bag will make it 10 times more special than that email. My friend Rachel and I do this…we both know that the other one likes to type letters, and so we send letters back and forth that are several pages of typed notes from our day. I love it and always look forward to her elegant writing and funny stories.
Spread the Love Around and Around
When my mom was in high school, she had a close knit group of friends and later in life they kept in touch with something they called the “Round Robin” letter. Basically, the first person would buy a big padded envelope and put things in there that represented their life at that point. A handwritten letter, a few photographs (yes! *gasp* REAL printed out photographs! not just tags on Facebook!), a recipe, etc. She would send it to the first person on the list. The next person would read everything, and then add her own goodies to the envelope, and send it on to the next person. When it got back around to the first sender, she would take out her stuff and add new things and on and on it goes. This is a super fun way to connect with 3-4 friends. I remember how excited my mom used to get when that Round Robin letter arrived!! Oh the joy!
Create a Mail Station
Stock a “mail station” in your house. It could be a shoebox, a fabric fold-up case like the “In Touch Clutch” (how cool is that!?), or just a drawer in a desk. Whatever you choose, the goal is to keep all of your mailing supplies in one central, easy to find location. That way, when you are thinking about a friend, you can immediately go to your station and start writing and not have to worry about finding a stamp!
Make It Pretty
Have some pretty stationary or cards on hand at all times. You could write on plain ‘ol white paper…but why would you want to when there are so many other options!? Even just cutting out some cool stuff from a magazine and gluing it onto the white paper would be better than nothing. Get creative! I did a quick search on Etsy, and there are over 6,000 items with the keyword “stationary”. That should be sufficient!
Find Your Inner Artist
Decorate the OUTSIDE of the envelope/box as well! In the photo above, my friend Becky drew all kinds of goodies all over the box. You better believe everyone in the post office was jealous as it was handed over to me 
I like to put stickers and cut out magazine photos on the outside of envelopes…so much fun. Use modge podge for added effect.
Keep It Simple With Postcards
Postcards are a fun and easy way to send a greeting. You can even buy pre-stamped postcards at the post office. Carry them in your purse and write little notes when you’re in the waiting room, etc. Let your kids decorate the front of the post card…and send it to Grandma!
Stamp It Up
I’ve been known to include a self-addressed stamped envelope in packages I send…with stationary included. Just to make it simple for the other person to write me back! Yes. I love getting mail that much…and it encourages the flow of communication! It’s the golden rule of the mailbox: “When you send mail, you receive mail.” Yes, it’s fun to bless others with mail, but it’s also fun to get some yourself!
I’d love to hear about some of your favorite things that have come in the mail…share them below!
And…I challenge you to send something, ANYTHING, out in the next 3 days to a friend or family member. Send a card, send a book…just send HAPPINESS!
Posted by Sara @ 11:23 am | Leave a Comment
12
2010
One of my “old” friends, who also was my first mentor to me as a new Christian, had such a gift when it came to blessing others with snail mail. I can’t tell you how many cards I got from her…and how they all blessed me tremendously. She kept well stocked up on all sorts of inexpensive note cards and postcards, even some cheapo handmade postcards. She also drew lots of sweet doodles and such on her notes, like the package you received. Such a blessing. Thanks for encouraging others to rediscover the gift of mail.
Also, from the ages of 10-16, I had numerous snail mail pen pals from around the world. Opening up our mailbox was a highlight of my day! I can’t tell how exciting it was to find 1 (or even 2 or 3) internationally-stamped envelopes with my name on them. Do people still have pen pals these days…or is that a thing of the past?
12
2010
This post is up there on my faves list! I LOVE mail! The most recent envelope of happiness I have received had “New Moon” themed goodies in it. (yes, those books! ha!) A dear group of Mama friends and I were a little obsessed with these books and one Mama had a Twilight party while I still lived near. I have since moved, but she included me in her latest New Moon party and included a red scarf, photo album, and other “themed” items!
It was so sweet of her to include me!
I have a friend in Australia that I like to put various items in the mail that she can’t get there. She is an avid cook and could not find diced green chiles there so I sent her a box full of them! 
My sister also recently sent a box of awesome hand sewn items for me and my little ones! LOVE handmade items!
I love to send mail just as much as receive it. I do pick up things when I am out and about with certain people in mind. It never goes in the mail that week! ha! But eventually they receive it.
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. this post Sara!
12
2010
I love this!! And you have inspired me! Thank you Sara!
12
2010
I adore this! A couple of days ago I took some photos. When I went through them this morning I realized I took a photo of part of a mailbox that said “Relay Mail” and I have been thinking and thinking about that… the gears are churning on a larger project and how to go about getting it started. Your piece this morning was inspiring and encouraging and timely for me. Thank you!
12
2010
I too LOVE to send mail and I used to be really good at it. My family moved at the end of third grade and I was in a constant pen pal state after that (as it was pre-internet). I haven’t been so good at it lately though, so thanks for the challenge. Mail time!
12
2010
Just have to put in a plug for our loved inmates. If you don’t have anyone that would really appreciate a handwritten note from you there are many inmates that would. They are not allowed email or any other form of mail so letters literally are their only link to the outside world.
My son is always so excited when he receives letters. Some of them he does not even know the people they come from, but they still make his day so much brighter. You will never get as much appreciation for a hand written letter or note than you will from an inmate, believe me!
12
2010
I <3 getting mail too… it's one of my 29 things to do before I'm 30 to send more real letters to people!
12
2010
I too love to send mail. I’m constantly trying to send mail love, if not big packages – at least small notes and cards. I love getting mail too, but I might like sending it more. Some great ideas in this post, too, thanks!
12
2010
I love this post. I wholeheartedly agree that the power of mail is HUGE! It is so nice to get a handwritten letter these days! I guess I’ve gotten away from doing this because it has gotten so expensive to ship things, but i can afford $.44 for a stamp! It really can be a ministry of encouragement!
12
2010
Thanks for the inspiration. I love the idea and will definitely start envelopes for a few friends that I left behind in England, and Namibia.
I have been participating in some mail art swaps lately, and I’ve posted pictures of the mail art that I’ve made and received on my blog. It’s lots of fun, and I’ve struck up interesting conversations with the folks at the post office counter because of the mail I’m sending, making a few extra friends along the way.
Thanks for your beautiful blog.
12
2010
I edited the post to add a little blurb about my mom’s “Round Robin” letter…go back and check it out
12
2010
oh friend! I have told many people that you are one of the best gift givers I have! I recently got a box of chia seeds from you…the DAY after we talked about eating them! I felt very loved. And then another time I received a package from you with citrus scented soap, mint chapstick, and other little things, each showing me how well you knew what I loved. The little things make a huge mark on my heart! Now to go make my mail station!!!!
13
2010
sara is a great magic mail sender! i’ve gotten a few awesome mailers from her as well.. always colorful and full of love!!
12
2010
I love this and wish that every single package I send out to every single person could be so wonderful(-:
12
2010
Ahhhh, I love this post. I feel so inspired to send out mail! Yay!!!
12
2010
this post makes me happy…it really does! gifts are one of my top two love languages so anytime I receive something from a friend I do in fact feel very loved!
12
2010
Sara, so crazy! i was thinking about this so much this week….the lack of connection over the internet…i much prefer face to face or snail mail!! great post! i’m inspired!
12
2010
oh i adore mail too.. never get it these days.. it is sad. we should start a pen pal group!!
12
2010
Thanks for the inspiration to mail a card! I LOVE to get mail, but I rarely get it. Maybe it’s because I rarely send it.
13
2010
true , i rarely send mail either .. hmmm, perhaps mailing some packages is in my future and the flood gates of yummy mail will open !
12
2010
I am motivated now!! I have literally had a package sitting on my table for my deployed brother for TWO MONTHS. It isn’t giving him any sort of pick me up or encouragement just sitting in my house! It’s going to the post office tomorrow!
12
2010
Thank you, once again, for the inspiration! I love how you always challenge others as well! Have a great day!
12
2010
love mail, it does feel so good to receive a handwritten note. i do this with a couple of friends, sometimes it is just a doodle that one of the little ones makes, sometimes it is an entire letter, always lights up my day, to send and receive. thanks for the reminder, though, need to do it more often with family whom we rarely get to see.
12
2010
Thank you for this great post!! You gave me the inspiration to start a stationary station. Now I have no excuse to delay writing to my grandparent. The only problem is that I live an ocean away from them and when I start writing, I get so emotional and homesick it is not even funny. If I get to write more often I may get better at keeping a sheet of paper dry so words do not get smeared.
13
2010
Thank you! What an inspiration!
I would like to mention one of my favorite blogs –
Every Day Should Be A Red Letter Day
http://www.redletterdayzine.wordpress.com
13
2010
Hi Sara! I loved your idea about spreading the love around and around… so fun. I’ve been trying to think of a fun idea to keep in touch with some close friends from college… this would be such a great way to do that!! Hugs to you…
13
2010
What a great post. I’m inspired!
13
2010
Hi Sara, Just wanted to let you know I linked to this post on my latest blog post. Love it!(Still not sure about “blogging etiquette” so I wanted to let you know!)
14
2010
Grow Strong in Love is my fav
14
2010
This was a wonderful post and I am going to do many of the things suggested and involve my nephews. Love the padded envelope idea. I will keep a few in the car with some pre-printed labels, magic markers and stamps. Wish they had a drive thru mail service here!
14
2010
Love the round robin idea! Such an inspirational post, thanks!
15
2010
I too adore mail, there is nothing like a handwritten letter!! Thanks for the reminder!
15
2010
How right you are. Mail is becoming a lost art. I find myself resorting to e-cards from dayspring more and more…
I found your blog through your homebirth video on Facebook’s “I gave birth at home. Not brave. Not crazy. Just educated.”
Love your blog & feeling like we’re totally kindred spirits. I gotta know about your patchwork skirt. It’s simply wonderful.
16
2010
this was one of my new years resolutions. i have the supplies but never followed through. so i just sat down and wrote out a little not to my brother’s dog…from my dog. my bro created a FB page for his dog that amuses the family so i thought i’d be fun to send this stationary i had made with my puppie’s photo on it…to his dog. fun! thanks for the kick in the pants to spread the love.
17
2010
Yayyy everyone loves getting mail! I’ve spent a year studying abroad in France and Spain, and my friends have sent me amazing packages to keep me feeling loved! Some highlights have included: a whole lemon drizzle cake(!), photos, stationary, herbal teas, poetry books, magazines, chocolate. But the best part of all of them is the letter slipped inside the box or envelope. It makes me feel all light inside to think that they have sat down for half an hour with me in their head as the tell me their stories and update me on the British weather
17
2010
That’s so funny that i wrote that this morning, and when i went downstairs i had an envelope from my friend Laura with a cd that she had made for me, a face mask some lip gloss and a yummy card with a big icecream sundae on it!
Now i’m in a splendiferous mood. Big love Sara, i read all your blogs except your food diary, as it makes me feel too guilty
17
2010
Sara, while on th eroad, where can we mail you? I mean via courier. Cheers!
17
2010
I love, love, LOVE mail! I’ve been writing to penpals since I was 10 years old…so for 17 years now! So many grew stopped writing as e-mail came into the picture so now I just have a couple friends that I write to, but still have one from 17 years ago!
Sometimes the mail IS the highlight of my day but my poor mailbox has been so empty lately. Want another penpal, Sarah?!
17
2010
LOVE this post! This is giving me great ideas of things to for my husband when he’s deployed. Thank you <3
18
2010
I love mail and I loved this post! Thanks for the inspiration.
Oh yeah, I’m sort of new to reading your blog–so, hello!
19
2010
awwwwwwwwwwww sara, strong heart mama! i lub you! i think i had more fun putting that mermaid box together than any other piece of mail ever! i need to get back on the theme package train….they really are the most fun to do…. expect something ridiculous soon…hehehehe….
19
2010
Natacha…you can send mail to our forwarding address:
Sara Janssen
103 Rainbow Dr. #340
Livingston, TX 77399
xxoo
sara
24
2010
This is such a sweet post. I feel inspired to send something ‘real’ to my beloveds! Where do you get the time for all this? GAH!
30
2010
My college roommates and I are now spread across the globe, and every month we send each other postcards. Even if all they have are little doodles on them, or free hotel postcards. The weirder, the better!
22
2010
What a lovely post. Your parcel is so eye-catching!
Another idea is to keep cuttings from magazines or newspapers that you think will be of interest to others, and mail them in batches.