Writing a heartfelt letter can be a transformative experience, both for the person sending it and the one receiving it. Frish Brandt, a correspondence expert and instructor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, suggests that everyone carries an "unfinished" message—a sentiment long held inside that deserves to be put into words.
Finding Your Focus
In her new book, Unfinished Business: Writing the Five Essential Letters of Your Life, Brandt identifies five core themes for meaningful correspondence: thank you, I’m sorry, I miss you, I love you, and goodbye. To begin, Brandt recommends identifying a recipient who feels significant and jotting down raw thoughts on scrap paper without worrying about perfection. Whether you type or handwrite your message, the primary goal is to express what is on your mind.
When drafting, start with a clear statement of intent—such as "I was thinking about you"—to signal the purpose of your message. Acknowledge the prompt for your writing, whether it is a sense of gratitude or a desire to bridge a distance. While the process can be emotional, Brandt notes that many people find the act of writing and sending these letters to be an energizing way to move forward.
A Lasting Keepsake
Beyond the immediate emotional relief, letters serve as tangible archives of human connection. David F. Green Jr., associate chair of English at Howard University, emphasizes that letters act as a way to "archive a moment in time." While the recipient may not always respond, the act of sending the letter provides a sense of closure for the writer and creates a lasting memento that can be cherished for years to come.
