Old school writing (by hand)
So, if you’re wondering why I’m not posting here as often as I once did:
Most of my recent writing is going into a little hardcover journal that I bought a few months ago. I’m tracking some of the minutia of my life in this book, including some habit changes that I’ve been working on. I seem to go through paper journal writing phases in my life. If memory serves, it’s been about ten years since I last maintained this kind of journal with any kind of regular activity.
Why a paper journal? Easy: it’s portable and private. It’s not that I’m writing a lot of confidential stuff in this journal (well, OK, maybe some), but what I’m writing is mainly personal and of limited relevance to anyone else. Writing by hand (and this is cursive writing, not printing, for the most part) seems to activate certain mental pathways that typing doesn’t, which is important. Plus I don’t have to fire up my computer to do this.
So, while getting a D on the revered social media “transparency” exam, I’ll take a B+ for meeting my own needs. Or does the “transparency” stuff actually only apply to organizations and not to people?
Between this new journal writing habit, and a series of other routine, thinking, and schedule changes, my focus on blogging, or any other kind of writing, is at a two year low. I do have things that I’m still interested in writing about, but right now I’m not trying to live up to some kind of daily posting schedule as I have in the past.
I do want to take a moment to tip my hat to the many folks out there who do seem to be able to keep up the daily posting routine with a high level of quality and professionalism. Where there’s a will (and some talent) there’s a way, no doubt.
Onward.
Dre:
There is something to be said for putting actual pen to paper – and having the tactile experience of a good journal makes it all the better!
7 May 2009, 11:08 amPamela Weir:
“Writing by hand seems to activate certain mental pathways that typing doesn’t, which is important.”
I've certainly always believed that. Writing on the computer makes us more self-conscious and worried about mistakes. It breaks up the flow of thoughts and words. Nothing beats the feel of a pen gliding smoothly and uninterrupted across the paper.
Good for you for taking some “Mark” writing time.
Can't wait to see what comes out of it.
7 May 2009, 11:18 amNeal "thePuck" Jansons:
Meh…when I was young I skated a lot (skateboarding, not roller) and messed up my wrists because I couldn't stop sticking my hands out when I fell. Eventually I gave it up because of guitar, but it bothers me after about 10 minutes of writing longhand and quickly my whole hand and wrist is burning/aching and getting stiff. Was a real problem in college on blue-book exams. (Philo majors have to write a lot, wasn't as bad in math).
7 May 2009, 1:24 pmMark Dykeman:
@Dre – exactly
@Pamela – thanks Pamela. I can't promise anything spectacular, but we'll see.
@thePuck – I take it that typing doesn't bother your hands/wrists as much?
7 May 2009, 4:38 pmSweet_Home_Improvement:
What a useful post here. Very informative for me..TQ friends…
Cheers,
20 August 2009, 1:49 pmsain-web.com
cheapelectricguitars:
I gave it up because of cheap electricguitars, but it bothers me after about 10 minutes of writing longhand and quickly my whole hand and wrist is burning/aching and getting stiff.
30 September 2009, 1:26 am