Yesterday I read an article that claimed one in three Americans hadn’t used a pen in six months for anything but a signature. Could that be true? Have keyboards, tablets, and smart phones caused us to stop writing? Could be. I heard recently that schools are seriously considering no longer teaching “cursive” writing. It seems inconceivable that my multitude of handwritten journals will one day be totally illegible to most people. Like hieroglyphs.
The article went on to say that “handwriting switches on a cluster of brain cells, the reticular activating system, that engages the brain more deeply than typing.” It cited several studies that found handwriting stimulated creative ideas and improved memory. Seems we have a lot to lose by not writing.
I’ll admit, most of my composition (blogs, correspondence, emails, and even to-do lists) happens at the keyboard. Texting has replaced written notes. Facebook and emails have replaced letter writing. Nonetheless, I use my pens every single day. I own over a hundred writing instruments. My favorite for journaling is the Uniball Vision Elite (.5 mm, extra fine, blue, black, red, green, or purple). In the office, I prefer a .7 mm Uniball Vision (fine, in pink, blue or purple). And for my signature, I always use a Pentel Signature Pen: Bold and Blue.
I can attest to the therapeutic benefits of journaling. It causes me to focus my thoughts and drill down to the most important ideas, feelings, and concerns. I enjoy written conversation with myself, posing questions and providing thoughtful answers.
Around ten years ago I was engaged in that sort of exercise when I found myself admitting, “I don’t trust you! You say nasty things to me. You treat me like scum. Why should I cooperate with you? Why should I answer even one of your stupid questions?”
What emerged was a dialog of apology, accusation, and an intense exchange that ended in forgiveness and a written promise to myself that I have never broken. Sometimes I’ve considered breaking it, but I never have. I always remember the written promise, serious proof of my commitment to myself.
If there are things you need to tell yourself–promises, apologies, or thank you’s–consider putting it in writing and see if it makes a difference. Better yet, mail yourself a handwritten letter. When’s the last time you received one of those?!?
Write on, Barbie! Thanks for this thoughtful blog. My handwriting used to be so neat. Miss Pride, my first grade teacher, took extra care to help me with my hand-writing. I’ve lost touch with writing well… so not only do I want to write more (my choice a Paper Mate felt pen or No 2 pencil),I want to write well!!
Love that name: “Miss Pride” … it could easily be the name of one of my alter-egos. And I must say, you DO write well … I’ve read your blogs! (Oh, I know that’s not what you meant … but I thought I’d put in a plug for your blog anyway.)
I think the last time I mailed myself a “love letter” was around the time that I completed my first training as a coach…. it was so wonderful to receive it.. Got me thinking Coach Barbie!
There is something personal and powerful about the handwritten letter. Where an email can be saved, a letter can be cherished. You get to hold in your hands something someone you loved held in theirs. During difficult times, that can be a valuable thing. And yes, I will be teaching my daughter cursive. Her school dropped it in favor of teaching them power point presentations.
Thanks, Gina, for passing along the skill to your daughter. Yea, caring parents!!! And I know what you mean about holding something once held by someone you loved. Both of my parents have passed … and I gain so much comfort from running my fingers over the words in the letters and cards they hand wrote. I especially cherish a note my mom left on my keyboard for me to find … “I Love You, My Little Kid! Mom” I was 55 years old when she wrote that note … but I’ll always be her “Little Kid.”
Handwritten stuff is fine if you can do lovely copperplate. Alas, my handwriting is now virtually illegible due to age and arthritic fingers. The computer is a godsend for me. Without a keyboard I don’t suppose I’d still be writing.
I, too, am grateful for the keyboard. I’ve made a nice living with it over the past 30 years. ( see http://www.happyfingers.com )
Reblogged this on Young Hearted and commented:
I have been writing in a blog for the last 4 years. Recently turned to cursive writing for a more creative flow to my expression. With the challenges and adversities of my life I find that a physical manifestation of my feelings on a page gives me release. Thanks for sharing Coach Barbie!
Thanks for sharing CoachBarbie! As a twenty year old I find myself to be a minority amongst my journal-less friends. My ex girlfriend encouraged me to reconnect with my cursive writing and ever since I am sure to fill at least one page of feelings, worries and joys per day. Beautiful to hear there are other pen pushers out there!
I don’t know where I’d be without journaling. And I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that a 20-year-old has discovered the blessings, too. Keep writing! Never stop! And thanks for taking the time to comment.
No problem! Looking forward to following your posts in the future!
Reblogged this on EXPRESSIONS and commented:
hmm…..
Hi Barbie important article. What was the research that cited these facts please. I would love to share the source with others.
Jackee – I apologize for not giving more information at the time I wrote the blog. I can’t remember the article I was reading at the time, but here is a link to one in the Wall Street Journal that says pretty much the same thing: http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052748704631504575531932754922518?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052748704631504575531932754922518.html
Thanks so much Barbie. I hadn’t seen the article you just shared. I write a book called 49 Ways To Write Yourself Well and I am always listening out for new research. Loved your blog post which i just tweeted. It was very informative. Thank you