Save For Later

Handwrite your Valentine’s day messages this year as way to connect, build relationships and be creative. Here you’ll find encouragement for reaching out to new and old friends and embracing a nostalgic craft of letter writing that will get your creative momentum flowing. 

An Opportunity for Connection

Oftentimes, we think of Valentine’s Day as the holiday that is the culmination of the celebration of romantic love. (Sounds a bit pressure-filled, right!?) What if we saw Valentine’s Day as something different – as an opportunity for connection, an excuse to check in with someone you’ve lost touch with? Let’s treat this Valentine’s Day, as a day focused on celebrating everyday relationships. 

It’s hard to multitask when writing a note, writing forces a writer to slow down and think carefully about what they want to communicate. When writing, the process of self-reflection is different from today’s fast messages.

Build Relationships with Valentine’s Day Messages 

Who to write this Valentine’s Day

All the usual suspects may come to mind this February, but consider a few new inspirations for this year. Think of the neighbor who dropped off cookies at the holidays – but you were too busy to thank them or return the favor, and now it feels like the moment has passed. How about a valentine expressing your gratitude and well wishes for a year ahead filled with love and goodness? 

The dear or distant relative who you wish had a more active role in your life. What better time to take a step towards more regular communication? The friend or acquaintance who has had a hard year –  but you’ve never been sure how to support them or what they need. A simple “I’m thinking of you, I’m here for you, you are loved” message could go a long way. 

The child in your life who would feel so special to hear from a busy adult that they are loved – maybe with Valentine’s Day stickers to celebrate! A homemade “coupon” the child can redeem for special time with you in the future. Let letters build excitement and plans for your time together.

 Possible coupon ideas:

• Date to a coffee shop for a special treat
• Bake a dessert of their choice together
• Movie night – you pick the movie!

More than just Valentine’s Day: Letter writing as a creative act 

Letter writing for your Valentine’s Day messages, can be both therapeutic and creative. Express yourself in your Valentine’s Day message. Letter writing has no strict format. Letters can include a doodle or clippings, what you share is only limited to your envelope. You don’t have to be a poet to have a poetic touch in your valentines either.

Other creative things you can include in Valentine’s Day Messages:

• Small piece of art (even on a sticky note!)
• Music playlists or Song lyrics
• Interesting news article
• Oragami
• Photo
• Seeds
• Pressed flowers

Using handwriting opens up letter writing to be any type of collage or form. Long sentences can contrast short ones and get across emotion. Whatever you do, it’s sure to feel creatively energizing to put together a message to send by mail. 

What To Write 

When you get the urge to write, act on it in the moment while the inspiration has you.  Don’t let perfection stop you from connecting with the ones you care about the most this Valentine’s Day.

Letters can express love and gratitude. They can remind us of events, tell stories and short histories. They contain new and old jokes and everyday news. 

Leave the pressure to be profound behind, it’s okay to jot a quick draft before penning your note to get your thoughts together. Try writing the address on the envelope before writing your valentine’s day message to make sure their note gets over the finish line and out to the mailbox!

A few starting lines if you need help getting the words flowing:

“Today reminded me of…”

“I wish I could see…”

“I had the urge to write you…”

Go on, get writing! 

An envelope in the mail, simply penned, can be an unexpected surprise; a dopamine hit that lingers all day and the rest of the week hanging on your fridge. Bright colors, even the simple color of your pen, is a tangible connection to you. Whatever love you’re inspired to send – snail mail, cards with art and handwriting or even a simple cut out heart with a short message –  is bound to provide connection, deepen relationship and give you a creative outlet. This Valentine’s Day, we hope you take a moment to do just this – it will be a  moment worth taking.

Ready to Write?

If letter writing sounds like something you want to dive deeper: check out Michelle Houts “52 Letters In A Year” program. 

“I think the world would be a better place if we each took more time to spread our love and appreciation, our kind thoughts, and cheer through the written word.” Michelle Houts

Michelle encourages first and last letters be to her as a way to kick start your snail mail practice. She also includes a form to keep track of your progress throughout the challenge. No need to wait for a certain time of year, join in at any time for more information visit Michelle Houts. 

You can also check out her 2023  book, Hopefully the Scarecrow. Happy letter writing everyone!