​

Happy Mail Habit - "Get To" Not "Have To"

I've been talking about a “happy mail” habit for quite a while now. At this point, the idea of creating a “happy mail” habit of your own sounds like a great idea. But, how the heck are you going to work yet another "chore" into your already packed schedule?

I know, but it's a win/win - you benefit by writing, and the recipients benefit by getting your good wishes. But with all the other chores you need to finish - house cleaning, laundry and meal planning (I still haven’t managed to get into doing that, we fly by the seat of our pants – not good!), plus you’re supposed to exercise more, spend more time with family AND you have to get enough sleep. How much more can you pack into one day?

Shift Your Mindset

First, instead of looking at card writing as another chore, see it as an opportunity. Instead of "I HAVE TO," change your mindset to "I GET TO." You GET TO stay connected to family and friends. You GET TO bring a smile to someone's face. You GET TO send good wishes, and you GET TO support friends and family when they need it. A shift in mindset makes a big difference.

Set Yourself Up For Success

The best way to build and keep a habit is to make it easy. Gather your favorite supplies - greeting cards, postage, your favorite pens, message inspiration (I'll talk about that below) and anything else you'll need when you write. Keep them in a container that brings you joy.

Get creative when choosing your container. Use leather folios, ceramic bowls, house-shaped or book-shaped boxes, little suitcases or crates – anything that will keep your supplies organized and makes you smile. Now everything you need to send happy mail is contained in something fun. That takes the act of writing cards out of the “have to” category and puts it in the “get to” category.

Get Your Greeting Cards Here

Fitting Card Writing Into An Already Packed Schedule

First, decide how much time you can actually devote to happy mail. If you can spare an hour or two one day a month, then set an appointment in your calendar along with a reminder. Get all of your birthday and event cards for the whole month written in one sitting. Make time every month, and before long, you’ll enjoy it, and do it out of habit rather than obligation - "get to" instead of "have to." Download my perpetual calendar to help keep track those events that occur every year in the same month by clicking the link below.

​Perpetual Calendar Floral.pdf​

Just add the events that happen in the same month every year, including the actual date, and they’ll all be in one place easy see a month at a glance. There’s plenty of room to write under each month, but if you need more lines, just print another page for that month. Keep this perpetual calendar in your supply kit and it will be that much easier to get them all done and not miss any.

If you can’t set aside designated time each month to write your cards, keep the box of supplies within reach of the couch. You can write a few cards as you watch your favorite shows. You’re sitting there each night anyway, so you might as well put your down time to good use. You get to watch your shows, and the recipients of your cards get some happy mail – win/win.

Make A Smaller "To Go" Version
Of Your Supply Kit

Having a “to go” version of your supply kit will give you more opportunities to get your cards written. You might be able to sneak a few cards in while you’re waiting to pick up your kids from their practices, while waiting for the laundry to finish, on the train ride into work, or on your lunch break. There are lots of little moments during the day that you can fill with happy mail, just be open to the opportunities.

Easier Card Writing With A Good
Message Resource

Seems like this is a good time to mention that your written messages don’t have to be wordy. A quick “happy birthday, hope you have a great day. Don't forget to treat yourself!” or “I was just thinking of you and wanted to send you a quick note” are great jumping off points. Maybe include a quick update or ask what they’ve been up to and sign off. That’s it, you don’t have to write the great American novel. Need a little help with what to write inside your happy mail, check out my blog post full of ideas, tips and tricks. Find it by clicking the button below.

Click Here For What To Write In A Card

Just remember to have fun with it. Shift your mindset and writing to family and friends will become a "GET TO" instead of a "HAVE TO." Keep your messaging upbeat and light, seal the envelope, stick on a stamp and get it in the mail. It’s that easy to start a happy mail habit. Keep doing it and soon, you'll do it with ease, and won’t even have to think about it.

Change In Postal Services

The USPS has refined its service standards which could potentially affect how long it takes mail to be delivered. While most mail will retain the same service standard, some may be faster and some slower.

An interactive map on the USPS website displays expected delivery times. Enter the zip code you're mailing from along with the mail class to view expected delivery times. You can find the map HERE. Transit time for mail is now determined by days the Post Office is open and conducting business, so Sundays and Holidays are no longer counted.

This service realignment brings the USPS to the same practices as their competitors and allows for operational efficiencies and cost savings. The first installment of the new standards began on April 1 while a second installment is due on July 1.

To verify your shipping times, check the interactive map found HERE.

Quote Of The Week

"If you don't have time for things that matter, stop doing things that don't."
- Courtney Carver

Contact Us Get in touch about custom orders, invitations, announcements, bulk orders or anything else. Look forward to hearing from you. Contact Us

Follow Us We're on Instagram. Follow us so you don't miss the fun. Follow Us

Tell Me All About It!

Have an opinion about any of the cards you've purchase from me? You would make my day if you would send me a review. Your review can help others who are on the fence about making that first purchase. Let them know about the quality, the attention to detail, how quickly you received your order, and any other thing you might have hesitated about before making YOUR purchase.

A few quick and easy ways to accomplish this:

1. Sign in to your account at anchorandinks.com and leave your review under the items you have purchased.
2. Didn't set up an account yet? You can still do that now, even if it's been a while since you made your purchase. Your account will automatically link to your purchase through the email you used with your purchase.

Set Up An Account Here

3. Don't want to put it on the website yourself? No problem,
you can email your review to gail@anchorandinks.com​
and I will add it to the website.

Thank you so much for supporting my small business and for helping others to make an informed purchase!

If you haven't made a purchase yet, I would love to hear from you too! What's holding you back? Is there something you need that I don't yet have in the Shop? Send an email to gail@anchorandinks.com and tell me all about it.

See you next week!
If you love reading my newsletter each week, please share it with your friends.

Just a note, the stories and images, and things I share in my Anchor Drop Newsletter are ©anchorandinks. Please enjoy them, and even share them with others - but please, only in the context of my newsletter - you aren't authorized to remove them, use them, or pass them along out of this context. Thanks!

Newport, Rhode Island
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​