This time in our lives is both unprecedented and uncertain. It may be hard to imagine right now, but we will experience some positive impact through all of this. We all will all tap into resources we didn't know we had. We will grow from this and our strength and resilience will grow accordingly.

As many of us know, Mr Rogers was quite an amazing human who positively impacted the lives of children over several decades. Although a distant memory for most of us, his words and guidance are so important for us to remember today.  For both kids and adults, this quote is a simple reminder of what we can do when we are feeling overwhelmed, helpless or scared.

Everything in life is impermanent. Good turns bad, sickness turns to health. What we don't have today, we may have tomorrow. This is a concept kids can learn early.

At 2021 Co., we are proud to partner with Audrey McClelland of MomGenerations to do our part during this unprecedented time.  

The world of every human has been turned upside down. Panic and fear is running rampant as COVID-19 has already had an unprecedented effect on our world. Amidst this fear and quake, is the call to action and for hope.

If you know me, you are well aware that I am a girl who loves quotes, motivational/inspirational books, feel good movies and happy endings of all kinds.

A little less than two years ago we printed our very first run of cards. We were so excited to be finally producing actual product!

Today marks the 15th anniversary of my brothers death. He died by suicide, hanging himself in his small apartment in New Jersey, June 18, 2004. He was 25 and I was 23. He was my only sibling. He ended his life and in doing so, shattered our families' lives. It's impossible to put into words the pain we felt, and still feel to this day.

Who I am today has a direct correlation to what happened 15 years ago. I've still not recovered from his death, nor will I ever completely be recovered. Amidst the pain and anguish his choice caused, he also offered me a perspective and a true appreciation for life that I never would have had otherwise. It's both a blessing and a curse. I take each day as a true gift because I KNOW it's not guaranteed. I hug and kiss my children praying each day they never know the suffering I've endured—praying I will never lose one of them. It's a thought that haunts me. I survive and work through anxiety, trying to control my surroundings, protecting everyone any everything I hold dear. The fear of that pain is the driver in me.

How the heck does this relate to stationery? Great question. My partner Nicole and I have always had similar outlooks on life. She and I worked together in the design and printing industries when my brother died. She also lost a brother in a sudden and tragic way when she was young. We both have in us a deep desire to change this world, bring positivity and help to those who need it. We started this company to make a difference. With the messages on our cards and products, and through awareness. We are still working on the HOW— what's the best way to take our message and partner with organizations that are in place to help those suffering. Those who have experienced suicide personally, or are considering suicide.

The why has been in our hearts, and 2021 Co. is our vessel to the how. Today, on this 15th anniversary I felt compelled to share more than I really ever have on the true reasons 2021 Co. was created. We are passionate about design and beautiful things, but we want to do it with purpose.

For anyone who has experienced suicide, or a trauma in their lives, please know you are not alone. And if you are in crisis please reach out to someone, I wish from the bottom of my heart my brother had.

Below is the link to the national suicide prevention hotline:

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

xo-Emily

Paper is making a comeback and I for one am thrilled to see it.

There is little more exciting than sifting through the mail looking for a real live handwriting and actually finding it!  

Those are the envelopes and packages I open first and I bet you do too. Technology is incredible and has made our life better in countless ways (thank UBER, WAZE, and the entirety of the App Store). But, there are many elements in life where technology and digital alternatives just don't compare.

This video its a perfect example:

http://www.paperbecause.com/media/anniversary

I liken E-cards to a watered down drink, or room temperature french fries with no salt, or frozen pizza..... I mean, you would rather have those things than not at all, but the satisfaction is low on the awesomeness scale for sure.

Graduating from high school or college is an amazing accomplishment, but when asked, 70% of those who prefer a mostly paperless existence would not want a PDF of their diploma. Imagine getting an email with a link to your diploma? Nobody wants to take a photo holding a USB.

Technology has elevated paper to a level that is even more personal and precious than ever before. I actually have a card from my brother who passed way when I was 16 years old.  Even though he uses my not-so-nice childhood nickname on the envelope, l love having it knowing that his DNA is still there and always will be.  His hands touched what my hands now hold and that makes me happy to say the least. 

So send more cards and letters, leave yourself written reminders on an actual piece of paper, write your business plan down on the back of a napkin - handwriting is what makes it personal, meaningful and never-throw-away-able.