... with a beautiful stamp, please!
Did you know that October 1st is World Postcard Day? I have learned a lot since I became interested in the subject and joined Postcrossing. This online project was born in Portugal in 2005. To this day, over 63 million cards have been exchanged by strangers. Here's what it brings to me:
Surprises when the mail carrier comes! I rush to the door upon their arrival. Since May 2022, I have already received 98 postcards.
When I was little, I used to collect stamps. I take pleasure in looking at the stamps chosen for me and selecting beautiful stamps for the person who will receive my mail.
In my profile, I asked people to share a verse from their favorite local poet with me. I discover many writers by reading their messages.
I believe what I enjoy the most is sending the cards: sometimes I create a collage, but otherwise, I search for vintage cards, which I then choose based on the preferences of the recipient (I carefully read their profile; it's fascinating, some are serious collectors).
I feel no obligation; I stop when I want to. The number of cards one receives is directly related to the ones they send.
I don't travel much anymore, so I appreciate this connection, even if very brief, with other cultures.
For a few years now, I have been trying to add joy to my daily life. According to studies by Dr. Laurie Santos, social interactions (even very brief ones with strangers) have a positive impact on our well-being. These postcards flying from one country to another work wonders.
Of course, I also send them to friends.
When was the last time you sent a handwritten note? Or received one?
TED TALK Postcards Connecting People: Ana Campos at TEDxOporto (in Portuguese with English subtitles)