Love in an Envelope: How Postcards from Over 20 Countries Reminded Me That the World Can Be Gentle

 Ola! How are you? Doing well? I hope so.

Today I wanted to write about something close to my heart—something that brings me joy, calms my thoughts, and reminds me how soft and kind the world can be: postcards.

There’s something deeply comforting about opening your mailbox and finding a handwritten postcard from a complete stranger. It’s such a simple thing—just a small piece of paper, with a few kind words and maybe a cute sticker—but it can feel like a warm hug from somewhere far away. That’s exactly what I’ve come to love about sending and receiving postcards, and how I found a small kind of magic through a website called Postcrossing.

Before I discovered Postcrossing, I had almost forgotten how lovely it is to receive real mail—mail that isn’t a bill, an ad, or a forgotten package. I stumbled upon the site by chance, and it immediately caught my attention: the idea of sending a postcard to a random person somewhere in the world, and receiving one back from someone else. It felt so human, so gentle, and so needed in a world that often feels cold and rushed.

In just over a year, I’ve managed to collect postcards from over 20 different countries. Some came from tiny villages, others from big, famous cities I’ve only seen in pictures. Each one carries a little piece of someone’s everyday life—a weather update, a favorite quote, a drawing of a pet, a recommendation for a local coffee shop. These little notes remind me that we’re all just people trying to find meaning, connection, and joy in our own small ways.

Also I love making my own small digital designs, later print them and make unique cards for each person :)

One of the things I love most about this hobby is that every postcard brings a different story with it. Some are funny, some thoughtful, others are beautifully simple. And with each card, I get a chance to travel somewhere new, even if just for a moment. Sometimes I receive postcards from places I’ve never even heard of, and suddenly I find myself googling a town in rural Japan, or a street in Lisbon, or a lighthouse on the Finnish coast. These postcards give me a way to explore the world, to visit places I may never get to see in person—but can still feel connected to in this small, beautiful way.

But for me, postcards became more than a hobby. They became a kind of therapy.

When I’m having a hard day—when anxiety creeps in or when sadness sits a little too heavily on my chest—I pull out my box of crafting supplies. I choose a postcard from my collection, pick out stickers, washi tape, a colored pen. I think about the person who will receive it, imagine what might make them smile. Then I sit down and write. I don’t always have something deep to say, but I try to write with warmth, sincerity, and a touch of curiosity. It’s like sending out a little piece of kindness, hoping it lands softly in someone’s day.

Those are some of postcards I got, they are so pretty.

Decorating postcards, writing short messages, and taking the time to make each one special has helped me feel grounded. In a way, it's a small creative ritual that gives shape to my days. It’s also a reminder that even when I feel isolated or disconnected, I’m still a part of something bigger—something beautifully human. It’s my way of fighting depression, one handwritten message at a time.

Postcrossing has shown me that there are still strangers out there willing to take a moment out of their busy lives to send joy to someone they’ll never meet. And every time I find a new card in my mailbox—with its stamps, handwriting, and little glimpses into someone else’s life—I feel just a bit more hopeful about the world.

So if you’ve ever felt the weight of disconnection, if you’ve longed for a little spark of inspiration or joy, consider sending a postcard. You don’t have to be a great writer or an artist. All you need is a few kind words, a willingness to share, and an open heart.

And who knows? That little card might just change someone’s day—or even their life

"Even the smallest things—like a postcard—can warm a heart miles away."

Nena