“There aren’t many other things, in my opinion, that bring joy like a bright, sticker-adorned letter on your door mat.”
Bryony is a U.K.-based teacher and the face behind The Happy Post Lady on Instagram. Through this platform, she has been sending (free) thoughtful, hand-written letters to connect people and help them to feel less isolated and lonely during this time of distance and loneliness. She gets requests to her instagram account to write personalized letters to send to loved ones. Or she inspires individuals to write their own with writing prompts. So far she has connected elderly people, neighbours, family, and friends through the simple action of a hand-written card.
In this time that many of us are still connecting virtually, Bryony is reminding us of the value of a hand-written letter in someone else’s day. I connected with Bryony a while ago, and she was generous enough to answer some Qs for me in this inspiring interview:
1. What inspired you to start The Happy Post Lady?
I often wrote letters to friends at school (naughty!!) and have kept diaries since I was 12 too. After recently returning from travelling around Asia, Australia and NZ, I wanted to do something positive in my local area- to connect people through hand written letters. At first the post was just going to people in my home town but not for long. Now I write to people all over the UK!
2. How many letter requests do you get per week? How much time do you set aside to write letters?
This really varies. Sometimes one or two and other weeks I get a few more. It’s manageable which is great! I set aside 5-10 minutes per letter to ensure it’s as personable as possible (and there are no spelling mistakes!).
3. What are the type of letter requests you’re seeing the most?
Mostly they are to simply brighten someone’s day and make them smile, but I get a real variety from birthday wishes to stress and bereavement.
4. Why do you think a hand-written letter is so valued?
It’s just such a simple yet special way of letting someone know they are truly in your thoughts! The words are well thought out, last forever and can be reread at any time!
5. What has this initiative taught you about humanity?
It’s taught me that people are compassionate and caring. They want to make a difference and help others feel loved. I think everyone is starting to understand that you don’t need loads of money to do this. Like I said, it’s the little things that often bring the most joy.
6. You said that you’re a primary school teacher. Have you been connecting with your students during this time? Are they still writing letters?
Yes I have written to my pupils twice and have spoken to them all on the phone. I’m so pleased we’ve stayed connected during this time. I miss seeing them on a regular basis. A few of them have been writing but many have just been enjoying the sun and spending time with family. I don’t blame them!
7. If somebody wanted to write a letter to a loved one, how would you recommend they start?
What I love about writing letters is that it’s so informal. There’s no right or wrong way to write to someone. I just write from the heart and think ‘if I were this person, what would lift my spirits and make me feel special?’ Stickers always brighten up a card too!
8. What words do you live by to stay positive right now?
‘Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day’
