Old School Handwriting...

I've been thinking about handwriting lately. They say humans' hands are starting to develop differently because of texting--as technology moves on we use our hands differently, which of course makes our muscles work and strengthen differently.

So much of my written communications is actually typed communication. Emails, messages, and the like are typed or tapped because it's quick and travels at light speed to where it needs to be. I mean, I can be in the middle of chores, pull my phone out of my back pocket (or fanny pack, which I'm helping to bring back BTW. A story for another post...), and have a conversation with a friend in AZ or FL (or MA, or several other states...). I have a computer in the kitchen, but it's still quicker to thumb-type on my phone. It's wonderful.

Still, I feel inextricably tied to old school handwriting. I've tried out a couple of digital planning tools, but I remember best with an "analog" system--yes, they call paper and pen analog these days. Some lists I keep on my phone, but I write in my Smiley Diary each day, and it makes me feel peaceful to take that few minutes and write out what I've done, what I need to do, and any other random thoughts that need to leak out at that moment. They say there's something neurological that happens with writing. The brain-hand connection of actually forming the letters bonds us with the words in a way that typing--as efficient as it is--just can't.

I can still feel the effects of the digital way of things, mind you. When writing, I get impatient with the ends of my words, and they often look like nondescript zig-zags (Luckily, I've taken enough Facebook quizzes to know I only need to include a few letters of the word to later decipher what I'm trying to say). Still, occasionally I'll slow down and deliberately take the time to form each letter. It really is beautiful, the things we can form with just some paper and ink (or lead).

A friend sent me a handwritten card a few weeks ago, and I have yet to write back. This is the drawback, I think, to maintaining a skill as the advancements continue around it. I will write back though, because there's just something about taking that few minutes to share a little extra in the form of the written word...