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Letters are the most thoughtful, passionate and heartfelt way of expressing our emotions to loved ones. It is often convenient to express the feelings that one can not say out loud through a letter.
Although this art of communication is losing its charm, it is still considered impactful, from nurturing mental well-being to enhancing critical communication skills.
World Letter Writing Day on September 1st reminds us that this seemingly old-fashioned activity offers unique and powerful benefits. From the act of putting pen to paper to using a stylus on a tablet, the process of writing letters has evolved.
Unlike digital methods, writing letters demands a slower and more thoughtful approach. It requires patience and more emotional engagement.
By crafting letters by hand, one can reflect on one's inner thoughts and emotions, improve bonds and understanding. It also benefits mental health and overall emotional well-being. Studies have shown that writing about one's feelings can help manage stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even improve mood.
Mobile screens have replaced paper, and text messages have taken the place of letters in today's world. We've traded depth and meaning for speed and brevity in our communication.
Omor Faruque Shuvo, a lecturer at First Capital University of Bangladesh, expressed his feelings on letter writing, saying, "Letter writing is an art. It is an intense expression of emotion. The act of pouring out the feelings within one's heart onto paper through a pen—that is what a letter is. I would love to receive a letter or write to my beloved ones."
Shumaiya Islam Shoshi, a student at the University of Rajshahi who recently married the love of her life, shared her experience of letters with us- "Letters are the written form of communication. Before our marriage, my husband and mother-in-law would occasionally write letters to me. It was really a meaningful gesture to me. I still cherish those memories in my heart."
Khaleda Pervin Mukta, a housewife with three children, shared her thoughts on letters- "Letters bring out the poetic version of a person. In our first few years of marriage, we had to maintain a long-distance relationship; we wrote letters to each other, and we have treasured those letters to date with great care."
No matter how advanced messaging apps become, none can replace letters to those who know their actual value and importance. Letter writing doesn't just benefit mental health; it's also a powerful tool for developing essential communication skills.
It provides young people with a practical reason to master spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. Because it requires coherent thought and structure, unlike the fragmented, informal style of texts, it systematically builds stronger writing proficiency.
Digital approaches, such as numerous apps, make the timeless art of letter writing more accessible and sustainable, eliminating the need for paper and postage while preserving its heartfelt essence.
On this letter-writing day, let's all create our own memories by writing letters to our loved ones and reliving the emotions we held dear. I hope the art of letter writing—whether by traditional hand or digital means—continues to be cherished and practised.
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