A Perspective from a Therapist and Artist
Before we could call or text, we sent our hearts through ink and paper. Despite the accessibility and ease of communication, I find myself wondering — why do we feel more disconnected than ever? Where does sending snail mail fit into our modern, digital world?
The Price of Convenience
Meaningful Effort
There’s a palpable difference in energy between a text or a letter. It’s the difference between learning to swim in shallow or deep ends of a pool — one is safe and comfortable, while the other is more challenging but fulfilling. As a therapist, I see a shift towards communicating with convenience and ease. The digital age is one of hyper-convenience, making us averse to the focus, effort, and work that was previously required to communicate. Snail mail is an act of resistance in a culture of convenience and instant gratification. We feel the excitement and curiosity from the delayed gratification when exchanging letters. It breaks the cycle of pressure to respond immediately and creates a gentle, structured way to nurture friendships through storytelling, updates, and encouragement that feels like a more sustainable rhythm.
Disconnection
Is it a surprise that despite our increased access to people from around the world, we feel increasingly disconnected and lonely? Instead of investing in our local communities or those around us, we are pulled into the lives of faraway people, which sounds enriching in theory, but actually can feel destabilizing and disorienting. I’m not a digital minimalist by any means (although I do dream of one day making that plunge) and I’m not against the advantages of fast and accessible communication. But I do still value a level of thoughtfulness, connection, and presence that is hard to find when connecting over text.
Snail Mail Still Matters
There are so many reasons that snail mail still matters, even when it could be easier and less work compared to other methods available to us.
Intention
Instead of a fleeting moment of communication that’s rushed in between other daily tasks, handwriting a message to someone you love is an experience in and of itself. I can’t remember the texts I sent yesterday, but I remember countless times I’ve written cards to people: an autumn solo dinner date, a cold spring day at the beach, sipping a chai latte at a busy cafe, or a sunny morning at my desk. It’s something you can romanticize as a moment of presence, calm, and gratitude to others amidst the chaos of life.
Creative Expression
Creating snail mail can be a fun, very low pressure way to get crafty and show your love in unique ways. As an artist, I love to doodle in the margins, use fun lettering in different colored pens, and add vintage postage stamps. I sometimes even include artwork from artists I love or use a color scheme that fits the vibe of the season. This all brings such a personal, creative touch that expands beyond a screen into the physical world.
Deepening Relationships
What snail mail lacks in speed, it makes up for in heart. I imbue love into the paper as I write, imagining my loved ones opening it and being filled with warmth while reading the words I’ve specially chosen, just for them. It’s so intimate to see someone’s handwriting, feeling their presence and state of mind through not only the words they’ve chosen to write, but the way they wrote them. Receiving a handwritten note is a tangible reminder that someone took precious time out of their busy life to write to you. Unlike a text, a letter or card can be a keepsake of your friendship, of the value and love they place in you, and deepens a bond by sharing a little piece of your heart with each other.
Bring Back the Magic of Snail Mail
In a world where everything moves at a lightening speed, snail mail is an act of meaning, intentionality, and deepening connections.
If you’ve ever checked your mail and received a handwritten letter tucked in amongst the bills and flyers, you know how magical, beautiful, and joyful snail mail can be.
If you’re ready to join the snail mail revolution, here are a few practical steps you can follow to get started:
1. Find someone to write to
- Pick an old friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while
- Meet someone new through a creative exchange — there are whole Instagram accounts devoted to connecting others who love to send snail mail!
2. Write something heartfelt
- Tell someone how much you’re grateful to have them in your life
- Reminisce about what you were doing at this time last year, 5 years ago, 10 years ago
- Remind them of a fun time you had doing something meaningful together
- Update them about your life, or ask for updates about theirs
3. An extra special touch
- Include a fun sticker that made you think of them
- Add a tea bag, dried flower, or photo
- Put doodles on the letter, card, or envelope to make them personal and fun
4. Pick out a fun stamp
- If you have not already browsed the catalog of ADORABLE stamps at USPS, you’re truly missing out. Current offerings include: Dahlias, Betty white, Goodnight Moon, The Appalachian Trail, and Dungeons and Dragons. Run, don’t walk…
5. Join my giveaway to jumpstart your practice!
- Enter for a chance to win spring art and cards, including the new mini prints (that double as a postcard)! Details below!
🌸 Instagram Exclusive: Spring Snail Mail Giveaway! 🌸
To celebrate the joy of meaningful moments, creative expression, and deep connections made possible through snail mail, I’m hosting my first giveaway (worth $90+ dollars)!
What You’ll Win:
🎁A beautiful spring six notecard set - $18 value
🎁 Three 5x7 mini prints to frame or mail (they double as postcards!) - $37.50 value
🎁”Hope Springs” - 8x10 Fine Art Giclee Print - $38 value
🎁A handwritten note from me <3
🎁Some more fun little freebies that will inspire you to send some snail mail!
How to Enter:
- Like this Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIpGZJ7PKd3/?img_index=1
- Tag a friend on this Instagram post that you want to send snail mail to this spring!!
*This is an Instagram exclusive giveaway, so if you want to join, comment on this specific post!
The giveaway will start on Saturday 4/19/25 and closes on Saturday 4/26/25, and the winner will be announced on Instagram Stories later that same day! I will tag and DM the winner.
Official Terms and Conditions:
- You have to be 18+ to enter
- Limited to residents of USA
- Limit one entry per person
- The winner will be picked using a randomizer
- Void where prohibited
- This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.
- I (Sarah Yancey Studio) will reach out to the winner via Instagram DM and if they don’t respond in 48 hours, a new winner will be picked via randomizer.
- The prize will be sent to the winner no later than 10 days of the winner's announcement.
Contact me at contact@sarahyanceystudio.com with any questions or concerns.
