40 In My 40s | Handwriting 40 Letters a Year for the Next Decade

Kicking off another goal for the #40InMy40s Campaign!

In a world of instant messages, unread emails, and disappearing notifications, handwritten letters slow everything down.

This chapter of the 40 In My 40s campaign is rooted in something simple, timeless, and deeply human: Handwriting 40 letters per year—for the next 10 years.

That’s 400 intentional moments of pause.

400 acts of presence.

400 reminders that connection is worth the time it takes.

Why Handwritten Letters Still Matter

Technology has made communication faster—but not always deeper.

A handwritten letter carries weight. It shows effort. It signals care. It says, “You mattered enough for me to stop, think, and write.” Unlike texts or emails, letters:

• Aren’t rushed

• Aren’t easily deleted

• Aren’t sent while distracted

  
  

They arrive with intention—and they tend to stay.

The Personal Benefits of Writing by Hand

Handwriting letters isn’t just meaningful for the recipient—it’s powerful for the writer.

🧠 Cognitive & Emotional Clarity

Writing by hand slows the brain, improving thought organization and emotional processing. It encourages reflection, intentional language, and deeper self-awareness.

✍️ Mindfulness & Presence

Handwriting demands focus. The physical act of putting pen to paper pulls you out of autopilot and into the moment—creating a form of active mindfulness.

❤️ Gratitude & Emotional Well-Being

Many letters naturally become expressions of gratitude, encouragement, or reflection. Practicing this regularly has been linked to improved mood and reduced stress.

🧬 Memory Reinforcement

Handwritten communication strengthens memory retention—for both the sender and receiver—making moments, stories, and affirmations more enduring.

The Connection Letters Create

A letter is more than words—it’s a piece of someone’s time.

Handwritten notes:

• Strengthen relationships across distance

• Rekindle friendships that time has stretched thin

• Create tangible keepsakes people revisit for years

• Build bridges between generations

  
  

For the recipient, a letter can feel like being seen—a rare gift in an age of constant noise.

For the writer, it becomes a practice of noticing others and naming what matters.

Purpose & Intentionality Behind the Goal

This goal isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about discipline and design.

Writing 40 letters per year requires:

• Scheduling time

• Being thoughtful about who to reach

• Reflecting on impact, gratitude, and encouragement

It transforms connection from something reactive into something intentional.

Over a decade, these letters will mark seasons of life:

• Growth and grief

• Joy and transition

• Milestones, memories, and meaning

They become a living archive of purpose.

Why This Belongs in 40 In My 40s

This commitment represents:

• Depth over speed

• Meaning over convenience

• Connection over consumption

It’s a reminder that the most powerful things we give often cost us time—not money.

Handwritten letters say:

That’s STRIVE in action.

An Invitation to Start

You don’t need a perfect pen, elegant stationery, or beautiful handwriting.

You just need:

• A moment

• A name

• A reason

Start with one letter. Let it lead to another.

Because in a world that’s always rushing forward, choosing to slow down—for someone else—is a radical act of intentional living.

This is 40 In My 40s. This is connection by design. This is purpose—written one letter at a time. ✉️✍️