In our device-driven, high-tech world, it might seem crazy to think about the benefits of handwriting and whether it still has a place. But it definitely does. There’s something undeniably human about finding that perfect pen, that lovely writing surface, and being able to express yourself in a way that just feels a bit more real.
And we’re not just making this up. We recently asked you whether you preferred typing or handwriting, and two thirds of you said handwriting was your go-to.
There’s clearly something about putting pen to paper that endures.
My Grandmother’s Story: A Personal Reflection on Handwriting
Let me share a little story with you. My grandmother started school back in the early 1920s and she told us about her experience learning to write. She was a natural left-hander, but quickly found out that wasn’t acceptable. In fact, it was so unacceptable that when she instinctively picked up her pencil with her left hand for the first time in class, her teacher tied that hand behind her back, forcing her to write with her right hand.
It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? It makes me so sad to think about that little girl doing her best as she learned to write with her unnatural hand.
There’s something more to this story for me, personally. You see, I’m a natural left-hander too, but unlike Grandma, when I started school in the 70s, there was never an issue with which hand I used to write. And, funnily enough, it turns out that my handwriting is pretty lovely, to the point that I’m often complimented on it. Maybe, just maybe, it’s Grandma’s special little gift to me.
I often think about her when I sit down to write. I imagine her struggling with that tied hand, yet persisting, and it makes me treasure my handwriting even more. It’s not just about the words on the page; it’s about the connection to her, to our shared experience.
What’s even more special is to have treasured samples of her handwriting with us still, in the form of beautifully-expressed engagement and wedding cards, along with other letters and cards she always lovingly sent. I’m so grateful that her terrible early experiences of writing didn’t deter her.
The Benefits of Handwriting vs Some Considerations
Handwriting has its pros and cons, like everything else. But when it comes to life writing, there’s a lot to love about it.
The Pros
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Personal Connection:
Handwriting offers a personal touch that typing just can’t match. Each stroke, each letter, carries a bit of your personality, making your writing feel more intimate. When you handwrite a letter or a story, it feels like you’re giving a part of yourself to the reader. It’s a tactile experience that’s uniquely yours.
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Memory Retention:
Science backs this one up—handwriting helps improve memory retention. When you write by hand, your brain engages in a different way compared to typing. This deeper cognitive processing can help you remember the details of what you’re writing about, making your life stories richer and more vivid. More on this further on!
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Slows You Down (in a good way!):
In a world that’s always rushing, handwriting forces you to slow down. This can be incredibly beneficial when writing about your life. It gives you time to reflect, to choose your words carefully, and to savour the memories as they come back to you. It’s a mindful practice that can bring a lot of peace.
The Cons
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Time Consuming:
Let’s face it, handwriting takes time. If you’re used to typing at lightning speed, sitting down with a pen can feel like you’re moving in slow motion. For some, this can be frustrating, especially if you have a lot to write and not much time to do it.
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Physical Strain:
Writing by hand can be physically demanding, particularly if you’re doing it for extended periods. Hand cramps, sore wrists, and even tired eyes can be a real drawback. It’s important to take breaks and make sure you’re comfortable if you’re planning to handwrite your life stories. -
Editing Challenges:
Unlike typing, where you can easily delete, copy, and paste, handwriting doesn’t offer the same flexibility. If you make a mistake or want to change something, it often means starting over or making a mess of your page. This can be a bit of a hassle if you’re someone who likes to revise as you go.
The Science Behind the Benefits of Handwriting
Research published in The Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience showed that writing by hand engages more areas of the brain than typing. This includes regions associated with memory, language processing, and motor skills. The study found that people who handwrote their notes activated their brains up to 33% more than those who typed.
Apparently, handwriting forces you to summarise and process information more deeply. When it comes to life writing, this means you might remember more details and insights as you go along, enriching your stories.
Handwriting also helps with creativity. Because it slows you down, it gives your mind time to wander, to explore different ideas and connections. Many writers find that their best ideas come to them when they’re writing by hand, rather than typing.
How Handwriting Enhances Your Life Writing Journey
When it comes to writing your life stories, handwriting can bring a depth and personal connection that typing often lacks. It’s not just about the words you choose but how you put them on the page. Handwriting is a physical act that involves your whole body, creating a more immersive and reflective experience.
Plus, there’s something special about handwritten stories. They’re tangible, real, and carry a bit of your essence with them. Whether you’re writing for yourself or to create a keepsake for your loved ones, handwriting adds a layer of authenticity that’s hard to beat.
Handwriting is a spiritual designing, even though it appears by means of a material instrument.
The Human Touch: Why Handwriting Feels So Special
There’s a reason why handwritten letters, journals, and notes are often kept for years, even decades. They’re not just words on a page—they’re a piece of the person who wrote them. The way the letters loop together, the pressure of the pen on the paper, even the occasional smudge or mistake, all contribute to a sense of connection.
In a world where most communication happens digitally, handwriting stands out as something uniquely personal. It’s a way to slow down, to connect with your thoughts and feelings, and to create something that’s truly yours.
The benefits of handwriting—especially for life writing—make it worth the effort. It’s a mindful, creative practice that helps you connect with your stories on a deeper level.
Why Handwriting Makes Life Writing More Personal
At the end of the day, the way you choose to write your life stories is up to you. Whether you prefer to type or handwrite, the most important thing is that you’re capturing your experiences, thoughts, and memories. But if you’re looking for a way to make your life writing more personal, more reflective, and more connected to who you are, handwriting can be a really powerful tool.
