Preserving Memories

I attended a play last week, and the playwright stuck around afterward to take questions from the audience. During the Q&A, he shared that the inspiration for the play came from a bundle of love letters he discovered in an attic—exchanges between his uncle, who had served in the army during World War II, and his uncle’s fiancée in Great Britain.

One audience member remarked, “Geez, today, with so many people communicating by email, there wouldn’t be any physical letters for someone to find in the future and write the next great story about.”

That comment stuck with me.

It made me appreciate two things. First, I realized how much I value sending handwritten notes and cards—whether it’s for an important occasion or just to let someone know they’re appreciated. Second, it reminded me that when we write physical notes, we’re not just expressing gratitude or encouragement in the moment—we’re also creating something lasting. Something real. Something that might sit in a drawer for years and one day be rediscovered, bringing with it all kinds of memories and meaning.

So here’s your nudge for the week: If you haven’t done it lately—either sent a handwritten note or re-read one you’ve received—take a few minutes to do it. You never know what kind of powerful emotions and connections it might uncover.

How to Use Handwritten Notes to Strengthen Professional Impact

Want to take this idea into the workplace? Here are three quick tips for how leaders can use handwritten communication to be more efficient and effective:

• Reinforce key messages: Use handwritten notes to underscore important feedback, appreciation, or values. A short note following a challenging meeting or major milestone can boost clarity and morale.
• Strengthen relationships: In an era of inbox overload, a thoughtful card stands out. Use notes to recognize effort, celebrate progress, or simply express gratitude—small gestures that build trust over time.
• Create a legacy of leadership: Handwritten messages often get saved. When you write with intention, you leave behind something tangible that may outlast the email threads and Slack pings—a deeper kind of leadership footprint.