Dear May: A Month for Writing, Reflection, and Fresh Starts

While the world rushes on, May offers us a soft, colorful space to pause—even just for a moment—to reflect, reconnect, and rediscover the joy of writing. Whether it’s a handwritten letter, a quick note to someone we love, or a few quiet lines in a journal, the physical act of writing connects us with ourselves. May reminds us that words still matter—and so do the people we share them with.

May has a gentle way of inviting us to slow down—smell the flowers, reflect on the beauty around us, and take note of all the ways in which life can be beautiful. The days stretch a little longer, the flowers bloom brighter, the sun shines warmer, the birds chirp louder, and everything around us whispers: “Look around. Take a breath. Begin again.”

A Season for Thoughtful Words

This time of year is full of beautiful moments that deserve more than a quick emoji or text. May gives us countless opportunities to use our words to show up, to appreciate, and to inspire those around us.Bullet/numbered List

May 6 – Teacher Appreciation Day, a chance to thank the teachers and aides who supported us and helped shape us in positive ways.
May 11 – Mother’s Day, when we celebrate the moms who made us feel loved and special.
Fun fact: Mother’s Day began in 1908 thanks to Anna Jarvis, whose own mother had cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War.

Here are a few more fun (and less traditional) May holidays to inspire thoughtful writing:

May 4 – Star Wars Day — the perfect excuse to send a themed card to your fellow Jedi friends.
May 9 – Moscato Day — why not send a cute invite for wine, laughter, and connection?
May 16 – International Virtual Assistant Day — a great moment to appreciate those unseen office heroes.
May 18 – Send an Electronic Greeting Card Day — one of our favorites, of course!
May 30 – Creativity Day — the perfect time to spark new ideas and make something fresh and fun.

Whatever you choose to celebrate, a handwritten message turns ordinary moments into lasting memories—something you (or someone else) can literally hold onto.

The Magic of Pen on Paper

There’s something beautiful and timeless about picking up a pen, unfolding a lovely piece of stationery, and simply… writing.

It doesn’t have to be formal or fancy. You can write a letter, journal your thoughts, scribble a list, or even doodle on the margins. But when you write on something beautiful—like floral notepaper or a handmade card—it changes the experience. It slows you down in the best way. It makes your words feel more intentional, more you.

On a scientific note: Writing by hand is also good for your brain! Whether you print or use cursive, handwriting activates areas of the brain connected to learning and memory. It literally helps your thoughts stick.

Personally, I love writing. And what I love most about creating stationery is that it gives your thoughts a place to land and your feelings a space to bloom. That’s why many of our cards include lined spaces—for your own words to flow freely and with heart.

Just Start Somewhere

You don’t need fancy words or perfect handwriting. Just write from the heart.

Send a note. Leave a letter on someone’s desk or pillow. Tuck a card into a gift. Or fold a letter and keep it for yourself—to be read again later, when you need it most.

Because in a world that often rushes past the meaningful, choosing to write something down is a small, quiet act of love.

Happy May—and happy writing.

With warmth and ink-stained fingers.

ShaLen Designs

Free Printable
“Letters to Myself”

To celebrate May’s reflective mood, I’ve created a simple, beautiful printable to help you get started.

It includes three gentle prompts you can use as journal entries, letters to yourself, or notes to someone special:

A letter to someone who helped you bloom
A memory from this spring you want to hold onto
A note to your future self, one year from today

👉 Download the Printable Here