Day 8: The Lost Art

Recently a colleague identified the e in email as standing for "easy way out".  Isn't that the truth?  How many times have you hidden behind your keyboard and electronic signature?  It's easy.  It's fast.  You get to say everything you want to say without having to listen or pay attention to the person you are communicating with.  God forbid they may have an opinion or a thought to share.  There's no time for that.  Our crazy busy lives have somehow given us a licence to be rude and often thoughtless.

Well, it is time to add a little civility back to our lives.

Today's challenge is to write a note.  Sorry, let me clarify...hand write a note.  Yep, find a pen and a note card or paper.  Then, think about someone who deserves a kind word, an acknowledgment or a thank you and put your thoughts to paper.  Write it, address it and mail it. 

And then, feel good about your accomplishment.  In a few days, long after the pain of having to slow down for 15 minutes has subsided, your efforts will surprise your recipient and make them smile. 

And maybe, just maybe, you will inspire them to pay it foward and do the same for someone else.

Try it.  You may just like it.

Tb