Self Care and the USPS

I have decided that as an act of self care, I will be purchasing a book or sheet (or two) of first class Forever stamps every month for the rest of the year.

I am doing this to avoid having to send mail with the ugly postage meter imprint of bright red ink which is my alternative when I forget stamps. I used to keep a book of stamps at the office, and I have somehow let that habit lapse. It was wonderful, though, when I realized I needed to send something out because of a forgotten birthday or anniversary, or because a sympathy card was needed, or just because. I just reached into my sticker and emergency card container (yes, that’s actually what’s in it), grabbed a card and stamp, and I was ready to go.

I am doing this because I love to send mail. For whatever reason, I had three pieces of Real Mail to go out today – one note of thanks, one just because card, and one I love you and miss you card – and it felt so good to put those in the outgoing mailbox. I have always loved receiving mail, but I didn’t think about how much I love sending it as well. Not until this morning.

I am doing this to support the USPS. I won’t get into the politics of it. I’m just going to use the service I love to keep mailing Real Mail to friends, family, and possibly other random people. In fact, I can think of at least five or six people I need to reach out to so they can get in my address book and get into circulation.

I am going to add this event to my calendar. Maybe I’ll end up with too many stamps. That will be a reminder that I’m not reaching out enough. Maybe I won’t have enough stamps. That’s okay, there’s still a postage meter available at the office.

I am not going to feel guilty about spending this $12-24 dollars every month. It’s not allowed. It’s self care for me, to put out messages to friends and family and people who need them. Maybe I’ll even allow myself to send mail to a couple YouTubers who have PO boxes, just to see how it feels to know that they’re getting a small message from me, and to imagine what it might be like to actually get mail like that myself.

It feels like a good plan.