February 21 is Card Reading Day. I love this idea!
I enjoy getting cards in the mail. I especially love the ones with notes in them. My husband always used to alter cards with drawings and cartoons that he made. And handmade cards from children are the best!
I don’t save every card that I receive. If I did my memorabilia boxes would overflow and explode. But I do save ones that have special messages or in some way pull at my heart strings.
My feeling about saved greeting cards as well as other memorabilia is that if you save them and put them away in a container and never look at them again, they are just clutter. If the cards were important enough to save, then they should be honored by reading them occasionally.
I schedule a time every year in February to pull out my memorabilia and go through it again. Cards are an important part of this process. So, the Card Reading Day fits right in with my already in place routine!
I take my time and re-read the messages. I remember when I received them and how I felt at that time. Some I may let go after a time. With the re-reading there will come some laughs and some tears. Some I may want to share with someone.
At my husband’s Memorial Service several people came up to me and showed me cards and messages that he had sent to them and told me how much the messages meant to them. Some people even made copies and gave them to me.
I have seen older people keep cards by their sitting place to read and re-read because it helps them remember that people still care for them.
Never underestimate the impact of taking the time to send a well-crafted card to someone. Receiving that card might be just the thing that keeps them going or at least lightens their day.
So, re-read some cards that you have received. And send out a few cards so that someone else will have a lovely card to read and hold on to.
If you want help or just some accountability with setting up schedules and routines, join Diane Quintana and me on our next Monthly Class on March 14 at noon where we will share the benefits of creating routines along with valuable and actionable tips to help you put some in place.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.
That had to be so moving to you that people shared cards they'd received from your husband. And you've reminded me of the joy of cards; I used to send them all the time: for birthdays and special occasions, to congratulate people on successes and buck them up when things went awry. Nowadays, I rarely send anything except a thank you note. But you've inspired me! As for keeping them, I tell my clients to only save the cards that have original messages. In other words, unless the guy at Hallmark is your actual friend, let go of the cards that only have Hallmark's writing and your friend's signature, but keep the ones with personal messages. However, I have to admit…
I keep special cards and note in the bottom drawer of my desk. I so agree with your statement, "If the cards were important enough to save, then they should be honored by reading them occasionally." So true for all memorabilia!
In the case of loss of a loved one, its often hard to receive and process the love and care in real time. There's just too much going on, and our emotions may be in such a state that the notes are hard to read. Keeping all that initially is a smart move, with the goal to come back to them when we feel ready. Then, as you say, reading through the cards can bring joy and comfort.
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You opened my eyes to a different perspective. Cards have never had any meaning to me. Its possible ive never received a meaningful card or words may not be my love language. However I understand now how they may be life giving to other people now.
I also didn't know there was such a thing as a Card Reading Day.
This is such a beautiful annual ritual you have, Jonda. I didn't realize there was such a holiday.
I love receiving handwritten notes and cards, too. It's a good kind of mail. :) Like you, I read and enjoy them but don't keep them all. I have several boxes to store the notes, which I reread occasionally.
When I was missing my mom, I went into the box to read some cards she had written. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I read her loving words. It was just what I needed.