The Mindful Path — World Letter-Writing Day | Sept. 3, 2025

Every year on September 1, people worldwide are encouraged to grab a piece of paper and a pen and write a letter. On this day, World Letter Writing Day, the art of letter writing is celebrated.

World Letter Writing Day was founded in 2014 by Richard Simpkin. In the late 1990s, he wrote letters to those he considered to be Australian legends and was thrilled when some of them responded back to him with letters.

Our world has become more digital. Texting and emailing are the primary ways of communicating with people, and traditional letter writing has become a dying art form. Yet, most people wish they received more snail mail. In research published in May 2020 by the United States Postal Service (USPS), 65% of people agreed that receiving mail lifted their spirits. About 67% said they have sent or would send mail to family and friends.

Letter writing may have gained more interest because it’s a reflective, deliberate activity, rather than another quick chore. You can dash off a text in seconds, without paying much attention. Letter writing takes time, intention and purposefulness- all a natural way to bring mindfulness into your life.

Benefits of writing letters? Consider these reasons:

Writing is healing. Consider writing a letter to yourself!

Letter writing slows down our communication so we can be more thoughtful.

It lessens screen time.

Letters are tangible.

Letter writing connects family, friends, and strangers.

Here comes the FUN!

• Write a letter to older adults. Check out “Love for our Elders” at

loveforourelders.org/letters. This is the absolute perfect way to celebrate World

Letter Writing Day! The site features 16 seniors who would like to receive a letter

or a card. The list is refreshed every month.

• Vote for a US stamp you want to bring back. Voting ends on September 30,

2025. Vote here https://www.stampsforever.com/vote. Stay tuned in 2026 to see

which stamp won.

• Consider sharing the 14-day letter writing challenge with a young person in your

life. According to the USPS, children and grandchildren have a special, renewed

interest in letter writing. Find the free printable challenge at onesimpleparty.com,

14-day letter challenge.

Let’s slow down, grab a cup of tea, and “send a smile across the miles” as we celebrate World Letter Writing Day (or better yet, the whole month!). I’ve got my cards and stamps ready, how about you?

Photo credit: Roland Halpern.