The writing is the person, a small journey that expands through pen-palling

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The writing is the person, a small journey that expands through pen-palling

I love writing, and when I was in elementary and junior high school, I loved pen-palling.
And recently, I have resumed that pen-palling.

You might think, "In this digital age, why go to the trouble of doing something analog?"
But when you try it, it is surprisingly interesting.

I try adding beautiful illustrations to my letters, or I receive stories from the other person about their home vegetable garden.
"How was the harvest this year?" or "This is how the plants I'm growing are doing."
Sometimes, even the price of rice becomes a topic of conversation.

A person's character seeps into their writing.
Serious people, people who write carefully with a brush...
Okinawa, Kanazawa, Fukushima, Nara, Hokkaido—the lives of various places are conveyed through letters, and it feels as if I am traveling.

Furthermore, when you start pen-palling, you want to collect stamps, envelopes, and stationery.
"I wonder if this pattern would be good for that person," "I wonder if they would be happy with this stamp"—the time spent writing letters while thinking about such things is a very enjoyable moment.

Pen-palling is not just an exchange, but a "warm time that connects people to people."
Why don't you try enjoying pen-palling for the first time in a while?

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A few tips for enjoying pen-palling
• Collect your favorite stationery and stamps
Having your favorite tools makes writing letters much more fun.
• Exchange at a pace that is comfortable for you
It's okay not to think, "I have to reply right away." Value each other's pace.
• Start with familiar topics
The changing of the seasons, plants in the garden or on the balcony, scenery you saw recently, etc. Little things can feel fresh to the other person.
• Add a little bit of "feeling for that person"
Choosing a stamp the other person might like, adding an illustration or a short note—such small efforts make the letter even more special.

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#WarmthOfLetters #SmallJourney #TheWritingIsThePerson

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