Let's Revive the Old-School Deed

Handwritten letters seem to have disappeared in the abyss of our technology obsessed society. Modern day life calls for a quick text message here, or maybe a lengthier email there, to our friends and families. But what if, instead of sending your words through satellite waves, you went old-school? Yes, I mean actually sitting down at a desk or table, grabbing your favorite color of pen, and writing on physical paper. The old, good deed of a thoughtful and handwritten letter.

Expressing gratitude is a deed that often does not get enough credit as we live out our chaotic and crazy lives. Until recently, I had forgotten the true power of telling someone you are grateful. This past year, I worked at a residential treatment center where I taught English to high schoolers. This was a very unique and challenging experience, but I left with so much personal and professional growth, as well as a very touched heart.

These kids were sent to this facility from all over the nation by their parents to receive the specific help they needed. This support varied from within the mental health realm of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideations to substance abuse and addiction. Upon their arrival at the center, they are stripped from all technology. No phones and no computer. In fact, it may take months until they receive email privileges. It is all dependent on their therapeutic progress.

When I first started working there, I was absolutely shocked as I had no idea a place like this existed. There were so many different rules set in place, which in retrospect makes clear sense, but at the time it made me feel very overwhelmed. I was young, it was my first professional job, and I had no idea what I had gotten myself into.

Weeks went by, and I was still feeling overwhelmed with my role as their English teacher. Each day felt incredibly long, and I was always looking forward to going home. It was exhausting. Right when I thought I was at my breaking point, one of my students handed me a letter. It was adorable stationery folded into a tiny square with bright blue writing. The student left quickly for lunch, but I sat down and began reading. This tiny folded piece of paper brought me to tears. The student wrote me very encouraging words. To name a few they said they were grateful I was the new teacher and how everyone was saying I was “so cool” because I would slip up the occasional cuss word during my lectures – something frowned upon I later would learn. This handwritten letter suddenly lit a fire inside me that reassured myself I was making a difference for these kids. I had a new wind of energy, and I was ready to continue to try and make a difference.

This facility and these kids opened my eyes to the power of letters and to the power of expressing gratitude. Students often sent letters back home to friends or relatives, and I will never forget the looks on their faces of how excited they were to go and check the mail to see if someone had written back. After my nine months of working there, I received more letters than I could count, and each one contained its own unique thoughtfulness. Each one so intricate and one of a kind. I know I will cherish and keep these letters forever.

My challenge to you is to be like these kids. Go old-school. Grab a piece of paper, grab a pen, and start writing. Think about all of the people who you love and adore. Pick one to write to and tell them how grateful you are to have them in your life. Add a design or not, that part is up to you, but whatever you do, I promise this easy and simple act of kindness will make someone feel loved, valued, and important – and we all need that. So, let’s start a new trend to help make this old-fashioned deed come alive again.