The importance of sending greeting cards

It has been scientifically proven that sending someone a greeting card can create a sense of well-being for the receiver. Dr Lynda Shaw, a neuroscientist, stated “The psychology of greeting cards has a lot to do with self-esteem and self-worth. Simply put, if you receive one, you feel better. Time is the most precious gift anyone can give. So, if someone spends time choosing, writing then giving or posting a greeting card, the recipient knows they have been given some of the sender’s precious time.”

SWAN08Encouragement
I love receiving cards. It does make one feel special. I always receive a lovely one from my husband and it speaks volumes. As far as I can remember, my father always gave me a lovely birthday card, which is special because he is getting on in age. And as old as he is, he rarely forgets to send his friends and family a birthday card. I guess I picked up this good habit of his. Not only do I enjoy receiving greeting cards, I also enjoy sending and writing verses for them too. It’s such a thrill to be able to design the whole concept of a card.swbr12babygirl
These days people find it easier just to send an on-line greeting message, which is still nice, but nothing does it better than making an effort to physically show love by sending/giving a card. And feeling a sense of love by receiving a card, knowing the effort and sacrifice that has been made.
One wise man said, “let us not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

By sending that card is an act of showing love. So what are you waiting for? Go and send someone a card, it doesn’t even have to be their birthday. Spread some love!

 birthday
Spread a little sunshine
Everywhere you may go
And may your sunny rays
On others always glow

Layne Estell

This is how it all began…

When I first spotted the shop in July 2015 I knew this was exactly what I wanted for Seasonal Words. The quaint little shopping arcade, situated in St Andrew’s Court, Bolton had just the right feel and character I had been seeking for. So with a pray and a push, I went for it.

early-days

The only thing was I had never opened a shop before from scratch. I didn’t have a clue how to start. So, I bought a book and read it. In fact, I bought several books, asked questions and gained enough information to start developing my shop.

shop1a-1

shop1c-2

I found a shopfitter shop in Cheetham Hill and without a clue of how many shelves, card racks, and cupboards I needed I just trusted my instincts and bought as I saw fit. I didn’t think I did so bad. I was very pleased with how things were turning out.

little-by-little                              little-by-little-2

Slowly but surely, I began to make further progress. I was able to put together where all the products should go. Most of my products are either hand-made/designed, cultural or faith-based.

progress-1                             progress-2

Everything started coming together beautifully. And then I went to Cambodia through a charity called ‘Helping Hands’ to visit my sponsored child.  I didn’t know there was going to be other hidden surprises in Cambodia. I wasn’t expecting meeting so many lovely people and finding beautiful hand-made products which I thought would fit nicely in my shop.The amazing thing was by buying these amazing products, I would also be helping to support women who were victims of trafficking.

 

img_2223

inspired-by-cambodia-1

Early December I was able to have a small launch of my shop. It turned out to be a lovely event.

launch-day1-2        launchday3-2           launch-day1-1    launchday3-1

Everything is still a working process. I’m still finding my feet and learning new things and ideas.  My hope for the future is to build up an e-commerce platform for Seasonal Words. Times are changing and brick and mortar is now just one way to take a gift/card shop forward. That is how the story began. This is only the beginning of the journey. But I have no doubt that with God’s help and of course help and support from family, friends and more books, I’m going to move this business to the next level.

img_2245

http://seasonalwords.com/

Facebook Page