A New Hobby to Relax

Do you ever wonder why you write?  I don’t know if you’re like me, but there are times when it feels like I’m aching to sit down and write out something…anything really.  I’m not sure why, and I don’t really know where that urge comes from.  But it is something within me that seems to cry out from time to time.  There doesn’t appear to be any specific thought or feeling that triggers it.  I could be happy, sad or complacent, and I’ll get the itch.

I’ve added on to my writing regiment in a more old fashioned way.  I not only have this blog, but I journal as well.  Now, I’ve added letter writing to my list. Like most, I had pen pals and wrote letters in elementary school.  It never lasted long as most school projects.  Once the year was up and summer hit, writing stopped, and we went on with our lives as most children did.

I don’t know what caused me to miss writing letters, especially since I hadn’t done it in quite a long time.  Perhaps it’s because I NEVER check my actual mail box.  The only items ever delivered are circulars or bills with the occasional card or note, so I just began ignoring my mail box.  I pay everything online, and it appeared there really was no point in checking it on a daily basis.  I missed getting mail and the small spark of joy it brings when you see something other than junk in there for you.

There’s something romantic about exchanging letters with someone.  I’m not speaking of romance in a relationship aspect, but rather an era. It reminds me of Pride and Prejudice…or almost any Jane Austen novel really.  There’s something so lovely about corresponding via handwritten messages with someone.  It’s oddly personal, especially since I’ve started with people I met through Facebook groups.  In the age of texting and email, having something physical that someone took the time to craft for you is like a gift within itself.

The actual act of letter writing is strangely calming.  It’s been a long time since I’ve sat down and put a pen to paper to send to another.  I find focusing on my handwriting to be just the amount of focus I need in order to keep myself calm.  Plus, my brain is always working to think of what I’m about to write.  It keeps me from slipping into my normal thought process if I’m bored.  I tend to focus on the things I did that were wrong in my day, or things I could have done better.  Sitting down and writing gives me something else to do, think and focus on. It eliminates the noise in my mind and the distractions of the day.

I’ve yet to have a day where I sit to write a letter and can’t focus.  I really hope I’m not jinxing myself, but when you put your energy into something that someone else I getting, there’s something extra that keeps you on task.  It’s not like sending a text or email; there’s something a bit more.  It’s something I’ve yet to figure out fully, but I know that when all else fails, when that urge to write comes on, you’ll find me either updating here, writing in my journal or even sprawled out, writing letters to new friends.