As human beings, we can't deny our need to connect with people on an emotional level. It’s a fundamental part of who we are. We crave friends who support us and who we can share anything with, regardless of our surface-level differences or whether we’ve ever met in person or not. For centuries, since the advent of written communication, pen pals have played a significant role in fulfilling this desire for connection. They have proven to be incredibly beneficial in our journeys of personal growth and life in general. Here are some of the vital roles that having a pen pal can play in your life.
Emotional Support Systems
It's so amazing to know that when life gets tough, you have someone to lean on. This can make all the difference between your actions and reactions to the situation that you are in. Pen pals offer an emotional cushion for you to fall on when the going gets tough. Due to the non-judgemental nature of the relationship, the safe space that you have within the relationship will allow you to share your feelings and thoughts openly, paving the way for a stabilisation in your emotional systems. In a pen pal, you not only get to stay entertained, but you will also be able to share all the things that may have been weighing you down and taking a toll on your emotional health. By sharing your life stories and the things that you are going through, you get to have a support system and be a support system. This unique bond can help ease feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Broaden Cultural Perspectives
In our lives, we get to only be exposed to our direct experiences and the perspectives of people who are like-minded to us (mostly because our perspectives have already been shaped by our surroundings) This is why having a fresh perspective from someone who is miles away from you can be refreshing and beneficial to you. Having a pen pal opens up a window to a different way of life, that forces us to look beyond our limited beliefs and see the world through another person’s perspectives. You get to learn about their culture and views on things, which will, in turn, enrich your worldview and foster empathy in you. This exposure is very good for you as it can lead to a greater appreciation of diversity.
Foster Personal Growth
Personal growth often comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones, and pen pals can encourage you to do that in so many ways. Having a pen pal is sharing your whole life with someone that you don't even know exists, and if that is not leaping out of your comfort zone, I don't know what is. Morse, with every thought, feeling and reaction that you share with your pen pal and with everything that they share with you as well, you are forced to reflect on your life, keeping you accountable for yourself. Having a pen pal can, therefore, blossom into a wonderful cycle of growth and support that can lead to significant personal development.
Enhanced Communication Skills
Regularly corresponding with someone will help you to become better at writing and communicating in general. With every letter that you write, you will get to become better at expressing your thoughts clearly. This, in turn, will translate to better communication in all areas of your life. If you once felt intimidated by sharing your thoughts, chances are that you will become more articulate and confident in your self-expression. Due to the need for communication in your day-to-day life, this is a must-have skill and having a pen pal will help you better it.
Promote Creativity
When you are just communicating using letters with your pen pal, chances are that in the end, you will spice things up to keep things exciting. Whether it's adding drawings, a poem or other creative ideas into your letters, this situation will trigger your inner creativity. Moreso, because you solely have to rely on being told about your pen pals' experiences and not seeing it visually, your mind will start creating mental pictures, helping you relate to your pen pal and triggering your creativity.
Stress Relief Mechanism
Writing to a pen pal is a good way of relieving the daily stress that you go through. By muting all outside noise and focusing on the beautiful relationship that you create with your pen pal, you can just tap into your inner peace. When the stress gets too much and you need someone to vent to, you'll get the opportunity to do that and have someone to support you. You’ll find that this exchange can lighten your emotional load and give you a fresh perspective.
Mental Stimulation
Writing to your pen pal and sharing your life experiences, as well as talking about the things that you are passionate about, is a good way to keep your brain stimulated. This exchange keeps your brain active and engaged, which is especially important in keeping you intellectually challenged, enriching both your and your pen pals' lives.
Inspiration Evoking
Being exposed to someone who lives miles away from you but shares their stories of resilience, their passions, or even their unique perspectives can be very inspiring. This is especially the case if things that you take for granted aren't that for them, yet they sailed through and have constantly shown resilience in their lives. With every exchange and every new thing you learn about your pen pal, you will continuously be motivated and inspired, giving you a reason to take proactive measures in your own life to make it more exciting and to live an inspired life.