"You Can't Re-Read a Phone Call"

My mother was a writer, poet, playwright, and author, but she was also a letter writer.  She was a big believer in the written word and its power.  Although she was very outgoing and loved talking and socializing, I remember her telling me on more than one occasion:  "You can't re-read a phone call."

That's the truth.  As fantastic as our electronics and gadgets are, they don't give us anything tangible or lasting.  Texts and e-mails are fleeting.  Social media posts gets replaced by newer ones every minute.  The very nature of SnapChat means it's gone right after it's created.  We tend to lose the majority of communications we make.

What it Means to the Heart
Having some form of communication that you can hold in your hand is a precious thing.  A note, a photo, a card, or a recorded memory gives us the {power found in reminiscing}.  Phone calls are obviously wonderful--hearing someone's voice is like nothing else.  But the truth remains:  you can't re-read a phone call.

Whether separated by distance or even death, the ability to re-read a loved one's words to you can bring happiness, peace, and comfort.  Knowing someone loves and believes in me helps me through tough times.  It really does.  I've read love letters over and over again!  (Best love story ever.)  This ability to bring back words and messages from the past--even the recent past--can give us greater connections with those we love and can make us happier.

Three Ideas to Record Communication
Who needs a lift?  Who needs to know you love and believe in him/her?  Whose life could you touch through words of encouragement?  What communication have you received recently that meant a lot to you?  Do you still have it?

Here are three ways to make words tangible, something that could be read and remembered again and again.  

1. Print and save e-mails.  This is certainly not something you want to do with every e-mail, but if someone's kind words or warmth touched you, print the e-mail so you can re-read it later.  Simply punching holes and keeping the pages in a binder is an easy way to do that.  Rather than mindlessly scrolling through Facebook or Pinterest when you're feeling a little melancholy, pull out the binder of those words meant just for you!
2. Send handwritten cards or letters instead of e-mails.  Even a short note of appreciation, encouragement, love, or support can make all the difference in the world to someone.
3. Try creating a book instead of just a note.  It's a little sturdier and more beautiful, and it's obvious you put some meaningful effort towards it.  From "100 reasons I love you" books to "You Are Loved" books, there are some very personal possibilities that will be meaningful and heartfelt for years to come!  (To get started creating something that makes a difference, click the "how to get started" tab at the top of this page.)

I've created a lot of heartfelt gifts using words!  I couldn't possibly tell you about everything I've done over the years, but I'll tell you about one.  

For my husband's 40th birthday, my three kids and I wrote out 40 reasons we love him.  I put it in a digital book with a few pictures scattered throughout (similar to the one shown here).  He LOVED it.  It got more attention than the grill his parents bought him that year!  True story.  To this day, he keeps that little book on his closet shelf and stands it up so it's open to a new page each week.  He sees it every single day.  And that's what a gift of heartfelt words really does.

Give the Heartfelt Gift of Words

Letter-writing has become a lost art, but that just makes the written word more precious.  Take some time to preserve the important communications you receive and send out.  Or create a heartfelt gift with your words.  It makes the best gift in the world!

Words have so much power, and they can even heal in many ways.  Think of words the next time you think about giving a gift.  Don't underestimate what preserving or recording communication can do.

Need more ideas for heartfelt gifts?  These links have additional ideas: 

• building self-esteem through family stories and personal messages 

• making connections through story

• six creative Valentine ideas

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