Why I write letters via snail mail -- and how it changed my life!

I met this dude when we were both counselors at a sleep away summer camp out in some upstate New York mountains (maybe more like large hills for you outdoorsy folk). As it turned out, we ended up kicking it real well and going on reckless adventures while the supervisors backs were turned. During out 24 hours break days we would hike up the tallest hill and sleep out in the open to catch the sunrise. And we would find time to create little abstract pieces of art with the random art supplies we found at a childrens camp.

After 7 weeks of surreal summer time bonding we wished we could live this way forever. But I was picked up to head back to my own upstate forests and he flew back across the country to sunny California. But we weren't ready to end that connection and leave it as a bittersweet friendship lost in memory. If something truly touches you, why not hold on to it forever in whichever way works.

Instead of taking advantage of technology we decided to go snail mail style. It slowed things down and really let me think about what I wanted to send off. Weekly I would sit in a peaceful spot on campus and let my thoughts flow. It was never about anything specific or catching up on each others lives. It was more about collecting bits and peaces of what we we've been thinking about and experienced. I ended up going through my days collecting leaves and noting cute puppies and interesting interactions at the bus stop. And I continued creating little art peaces the way we did in the summer. My approach to my daily life had completely changed. I opened my eyes on the lookout for beautiful things in my life to share and put more thought into formulating ideas on my mind.

It's like sending away a little time capsule of that little time frame in your life. Not only have I been able to hold on to an incredible friendship, but also changed my outlook on life and how I want to spend it every day. And that is being present.