This Easy Analog Resolution Will Make 2019 Your Best Year Yet
Technology doesn’t always win.
Lately, it seems that more and more invites for all things festive and fun come via email rather than the postal service, especially over the holidays. While tracking RSVPs online simplifies the party-planning process, it doesn’t mean we should give up on traditional correspondence. A card is a classic way to let somebody know you appreciate them while making a lasting impression. Don’t believe us? Take it from our C&C Atlanta keynote speaker, actor and activist, Meghan Markle, who told us that she often sends out and loves to receive handwritten thank you notes. "I can't tell you how few of them I get," she said, "but one hundred percent of the time, I end up remembering that person."
It’s an approach to business and life that can easily be worked into your 2019 resolutions. Here’s how!
SEND A WARM NEW YEAR GREETING
So, you didn’t get around to taking the picture-perfect holiday card. Not a problem. The New Year is the perfect time to send someone special a card that wishes them the best in 2019. Thinking of others is a great way to start your January off on the right foot.
HANDWRITE YOUR THANK-YOUS
Make a “thank you list” and check it twice because they pile up as fast as the presents you receive. From grandparents to bosses, to hosts of holiday parties and gatherings, you will have a lot of thanking to do. Hit pause on sending out digital appreciation; just like it’s fun to open a present, there is nothing like opening a piece of mail.
"Hit pause on sending out digital appreciation; there is nothing like opening a piece of mail."
Tweet this.
Not only that - writing out a thank you note goes a long way to show your appreciation and will last longer than an email. People are more likely to hold onto thank you notes and beautiful cards to display around their office or living space. Think of a card as a sweet memory in return for their generosity.
MAKE IT WORTH REMEMBERING
Remember the old rule “show, don’t tell?” A well-written and memorable thank you note follows this line of thought.
You don’t have to write a novel to create meaningful thank you notes or New Year’s wishes; you can express how much you appreciate their generosity in one or two sentences. Single out a memorable moment. What it felt like opening the gift. An instance in which you’ve since used it. Use these prompts to express your thanks and wishes for a happy and healthy 2019.
BONUS: IT HELPS YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS
We’re used to firing off emails. (Anyone else ever met their email quota for the day? Yep, it’s a thing.) Digital communication may be quick, but it isn’t necessarily the most meaningful or effective. It’s important to honor the practice of sending letters, writing notes, and thank you letters to keep relationships strong and grounded in real-life.
Think of the last time you opened a letter and thought, “Wow, what a great feeling.” Be sure to pass that feeling on as we enter 2019. It will not go unnoticed.
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Meghan Markle Is Already Using Her New Platform to Talk About This
God save the Duchess.
Yes. Meghan and Harry are married. We've seen the pics. Scoured the hashtag. And gleaned everything we could from Serena Williams' Instagram story. And, as it's been discussed, the ceremony on Saturday was a break from tradition symbolizing a kind of togetherness we've been wanting and waiting for.
But before she was Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was proud feminist, defender of equal rights. Even as a wee 11-year-old Markle. And the royal fam isn't shying away from these details.
In the newly added "About the Duchess of Sussex" section on the official royal website, Meghan's official "About" explains how she protested a sexist Procter & Gamble ad for dish soap.
“From a young age, The Duchess had a keen awareness of social issues and actively participated in charitable work,” the page states. “Aged 11 she successfully campaigned for a company to alter their television advert that had used sexist language to sell washing-up liquid.”
The page also talks about her charity work and her role as the UN Women's Advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership. "In this role," the page states, "she gave a speech on the importance of gender equality on International Women’s Day for UN Women in New York City."
And then, pulled and bolded for the world to read is a quote from Meghan's speech that day: "I am proud to be a woman and a feminist."
Sure, royals aren't "allowed" to have political opinions*, in public, but in making that statement Meghan's pull quote on the very visible and very official royal website is, in-and-of itself a bold statement.
The "About" section goes on to say "In 2017, Her Royal Highness undertook a second learning mission with the organisation when she visited India with World Vision to bring a greater awareness to girls' lack of access to education. In the slum communities of Mumbai, The Duchess witnessed the work of the Myna Mahila Foundation who empower women through access to menstrual hygiene products and employment opportunities. Struck by her experience, she wrote an op-ed for Time Magazine about the stigmatization of menstrual health management and its long term hindrance to girls’ education."
If there was ever a question about the role Meghan would play in the family, consider this a step in a very positive, very feminist direction. The Royals, and their PR peeps, know people are reading and watching. And it appears as if someone is keen on making her voice heard. (As if there was any doubt from our end.)
*Feminism isn't really a political statement.
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A New Year's Resolution That's Easy to Keep
And will boost your communication skills too.
Lately, it seems that more and more invites for all things festive and fun come via email rather than the postal service, especially over the holidays. While tracking RSVPs online simplifies the party-planning process, it doesn’t mean we should give up on traditional correspondence. A card is a classic way to let somebody know you appreciate them while making a lasting impression. Don’t believe us? Take it from our C&C Atlanta keynote speaker, actor and activist, Meghan Markle, who told us that she often sends out and loves to receive handwritten thank you notes. "I can't tell you how few of them I get," she said, "but one hundred percent of the time, I end up remembering that person."
It’s an approach to business and life that can easily be worked into your 2017 resolutions. Here’s how!
SEND A WARM NEW YEAR GREETING
So, you didn’t get around to taking the picture-perfect holiday card. Not a problem. The New Year is the perfect time to send someone special a card that wishes them the best in 2017. Thinking of others is a great way to start your January off on the right foot.
Send fancy, fizzy wishes for the New Year with a card that sparkles as bright as you hope their new year will, like these cards from Papyrus.
HANDWRITE YOUR THANK-YOUS
Make a “thank you list” and check it twice because they pile up as fast as the presents you receive. From grandparents to bosses, to hosts of holiday parties and gatherings, you will have a lot of thanking to do. Hit pause on sending out digital appreciation; just like it’s fun to open a present, there is nothing like opening a piece of mail.
"Hit pause on sending out digital appreciation; there is nothing like opening a piece of mail."
Tweet this.
Not only that - writing out a thank you note goes a long way to show your appreciation and will last longer than an email. People are more likely to hold onto thank you notes and beautiful cards to display around their office or living space. Think of a card as a sweet memory in return for their generosity.
MAKE IT WORTH REMEMBERING
Remember the old rule “show, don’t tell?” A well-written and memorable thank you note follows this line of thought.
You don’t have to write a novel to create meaningful thank you notes or New Year’s wishes; you can express how much you appreciate their generosity in one or two sentences. Single out a memorable moment. What it felt like opening the gift. An instance in which you’ve since used it. Use these prompts to express your thanks and wishes for a happy and healthy 2017.
BONUS: IT HELPS YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS
We’re used to firing off emails. (Anyone else ever met their email quota for the day? Yep, it’s a thing.) Digital communication may be quick, but it isn’t necessarily the most meaningful or effective. It’s important to honor the practice of sending letters, writing notes, and thank you letters to keep relationships strong and grounded in real-life.
Think of the last time you opened a letter and thought, “Wow, what a great feeling.” Be sure to pass that feeling on as we enter 2017. It will not go unnoticed.