Jot that down...
Do you like to write? I don’t mean pen great stories or hand-written cards, but the actual process of writing with a pen, pencil, stylus, crayon, burnt end of a match stick or using fingers (or even toes) at the beach.
Being able to hand-write is a privilege. Lots of folks can't and would love to. If you can, consider yourself very, very blessed.
Alternatives...
Beyond writing by hand, other methods tend to be far more popular. Computer keyboards are pretty popular. Users are often wowed by the latest and greatest in design and are willing to toss their current ones for a new model. In fact, per Google search, the market data for 2025 shows approximately 280 MILLION computer keyboards are purchased globally, annually.
Honest, gang... I knew it was high but good grief!
We must bear in mind though, that many of those tossed devices will be recycled into new ones.
We must bear in mind though, that many of those tossed devices will be recycled into new ones.
I admit, I’ve been through some keyboards in my lifetime, but most of them came attached to the computer. However, when I switched from Microsoft laptops to Microsoft Surface (2 in 1 with magnetic, detachable keyboards), I’ve been through four in the last 12 years. That’s not counting the one I’m using now. It’s newish because my last one, that I’d had for seven years, finally gave up the ghost. Its replacement is nearly identical to the last one. When I get a keyboard that’s comfy-cozy and inspiring to type with, I work with it for as long as it can hold up.
My new desk’s most recent addition. It’s nearly identical to the last and hoping it’ll hold up as long as its predecessor.
I type a lot for blogging and correspondence, but for school... Oh, noooo. My notes for classes are all written by hand. Digital, but totally hand-written. I use a Samsung Tab S6 Lite (made in 2020) and Samsung Notes for all of my note-taking. It’s been an excellent investment and I’ve no intention of replacing it either until it can no longer function as a daily workhorse. I write in Samsung Notes, on both of my Samsung tablets as well as my Samsung Note9 phone.
I've had both of these devices for a few years and both still work great!
Yup, you read that right! An older model phone that works great, especially for folks who use a stylus frequently. I do most of my own photography and my Note9 is usually my first choice for images I plan to include in a post.
Yes, I do use a real camera for other types of photography, but for easy stuff, it’s my Note9 which has always produced the high quality images I need for blogging and sometimes I need to annotate pdfs and images, which is much more legible when using the a stylus.
Point is, even when working with tech, handwriting can still be easily incorporated into many aspects of it.
And then, there's the journaling addiction
I don’t journal because I expect the contents to be read. I do it to produce a record of good things...
My journals are filled with testimonials and even prayers. Not just ones about me, but all sorts of situations. They serve to remind me of the Lord's help in every challenge I've had to go through.
If any of them ever are read, it’s my hope that the reader will be blessed with encouragement and increased faith in the God who formed them in great love and with a divine purpose. No one is ever an accident.
My current journal was a birthday gift and thinking with daily use, it'll last thru Spring 2026.
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| Big thanks to Rev. Kev and Dr. Tam Miley! I'm not a fan of pink, but I've sincerely loved writing in this journal! |
I’m not the only one who seriously enjoys the process of handwriting. Not counting the meaning of the words, it tells a lot about the writer just by the way the letters are produced and shaped, even the spaces between the letters and words.
But honestly, I had no idea of the wealth of health benefits gained from writing things by hand. Dunno why I’d not researched it sooner, but happy I did. I got more than I expected from it!
Why that’s good to know...
Handwriting is one of the most simple things most of us can engage in, if physically able. Below are a few short lists to share with you what I learned.
😎Cognitive Perks
☙ Boosts memory and learning by engaging more brain areas, allowing for better information retention and conceptual understanding.
☙ Improves focus due to the slower, deliberate process reducing distraction and improving attention span.
☙ Enhances critical thinking because the act of writing by hand involves more brainpower, which can lead to better organization of thoughts and critical thinking skills.
☙ Enhances fine motor skills increasing dexterity and muscular coordination.
😎Creative/Expressive Perks
☙ The slower paced process allows for enhanced creativity allowing for more time to think and process more ideas while writing.
☙ Provides a more personal way of communicating and self-expression, as well as the writer’s distinct style.
☙ Reinforces literacy due to the physical act of forming letters and punctuation while improving/reinforcing reading and spelling skills.
😎 Emotional Perks
☙ Can provide a calming effect due to it being a mindful, meditative activity.
☙ Studies suggest it can provide relief from stress and help alleviate anxiety both by the actual writing as well as what is written.
The wrap!
Thanks so much for visiting today! I always hope you’ll find the information both interesting and helpful, if not for you then for someone you know. Remember, sharing is caring and your support of the independent journalism community is appreciated by all of us!☺️
(I know emojis aren’t an aspect of traditional journalism but I love employing graphics in my content, so I’m gonna keep on usin’ ‘em!)
If you’ve got any thoughts or experiences you’d like to share about your own take on handwriting, pro or con, just click on the comment option below the post.
'til next time, shalom!
Angelia
