How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

These are the opening lines from Sonnet 43, written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning to her future husband, Robert Browning, during their courtship. Their relationship was unsupported by her father, and they secretly wrote to each other for years, confessing their adoration and love.

Writing letters and cards is an act of mindfulness and gratitude as we pay close attention to what we write, how we describe what we’re thinking and feeling, and what loving message we want to convey to the recipient.

Modern times have dwindled the significance of writing letters. Do not underestimate the power of your handwritten words. The time you dedicate to putting on paper your thoughts allows you to get in touch with your emotions and connects you to others in a tender way that text and email cannot.

Your handwritten letters carry with them your feelings towards someone, your sentiment that you value the person, your generosity in sharing your ideas on a subject, and your hopes in a situation. Letters are invitations you give for someone to get to know your heart. What an exquisite way for you to care for yourself while delicately including others in your life.

Comfort yourself, especially in lonely moments, through sharing your feelings and thoughts. Spend this February writing and sending letters and cards to those you miss, you love, you adore, you appreciate, you value.

Maybe a special recipient of your letter is you.