Being There Where You’re Not”: The Lost Art of Postcards
The end of summer feels a lot like standing at a crossroads. On one side, you’ve got beach days, late sunsets, and a sense of looseness. On the other, schedules, back-to-school traffic, and that “we’d better get back into a rhythm” feeling.
Even if you’re not doing school runs anymore, the shift in the season is real. And while I love a good routine, I’ve learned that adding small, intentional habits into it makes life feel more connected—not just more scheduled.
One of my favorite thoughts came from my good friend and life coach, Carolina Deposada:
“Be there where you’re not.”
At first, I didn’t get it. But then she explained—this is about sending something small and tangible to someone you care about, even when you can’t physically be with them. And the best way to do it? A postcard.
“Be there where you’re not.”
Do you remember that last time you received or sent a postcard? More importantly, do you remember how you felt when you received one?
I can still remember the thrill of opening the mailbox, spotting sight of a postcard with a gorgeous landscape and flipping it over and to read a few handwritten lines from a friend. That feeling that someone paused their day to think of me and send a little note, felt like a warm hug to my heart.
Why Postcards Still Matter
They’re personal. Anyone can fire off a text in 10 seconds, but a postcard takes time, thought, and a little effort.
They’re tangible. You can hold them, stick them on a fridge, or tuck them into a book to find years later.
They’re timeless. Even in our digital world, snail mail feels special—and it doesn’t require the recipient to be “online.”
What to Write (Even if You’re Not a Writer)
A single memory from your trip: “This morning I had coffee while watching fishermen bring in their nets—it made me think of our sunrise walks in Florida.”
A wish for them: “I hope this season brings you the peace of a quiet Sunday morning.”
A simple ‘thinking of you’: Sometimes, just that is enough.
Are you up for the challenge? Don’t overcomplicate it, whether you order a quick postcard online or just drop a quick note in the mail, commit to sending one. Who knows? Maybe this will become a weekly or monthly thing for you.
Travel Tip to Make It Easy
Buy postcards the first day of your trip, not the last. You’ll have plenty of time to jot a note and find a post office or hotel concierge to send it for you. Bonus: You’re writing while you’re still in the glow of the experience, and that comes through in your words.
