Chapter 1: The Joy of Writing

I've always found immense pleasure in jotting down my thoughts—be it a single word, a sentence, or a full paragraph. The Moleskine brand has likely profited from my countless scribbles. Writing serves not only as a cathartic outlet but also as a valuable means to record fleeting ideas. Looking back at my notes after a week, a month, or even a year often ignites new neural connections—prompting me to grab a pen and a fresh sheet.

Photo by Beechmore Books on Unsplash

I can't be the only one who finds this practice beneficial. You’re reading this on a platform designed to celebrate the written word, so I’m aware that I might be preaching to the choir. However, with the recent surge of AI in content creation and the rise of “writing-free” writing, I believe it’s worthwhile to discuss the merits of traditional writing. Perhaps my insights will inspire you to begin, revisit, or rethink how you capture your thoughts.

There seems to be a generational divide—being a proud millennial myself—when it comes to the tangible act of writing with pen and paper versus typing on a keyboard. I recognize the irony in that statement, considering this digital platform. (I’ve even drafted an outline for a piece on the joys of a well-set-up mechanical keyboard for another time.)

As a child, I was a late bloomer in terms of reading and writing skills. My parents were genuinely concerned when I struggled to read at age six, contemplating testing for learning disabilities. Their relief was palpable when I soon began devouring books at an impressive rate.

Once I started, it was as if the floodgates had opened. I explored literary classics, psychology texts, various novels (currently, I have a penchant for satires, thrillers, and dark fantasy), biographies, political analyses (thanks to Dad), histories, philosophies, and even a bit of Keynesian economics (thanks, Mum…I think).

Eventually, I found it essential to write things down—often intending to revisit my thoughts later—because there was simply too much swirling in my mind. My youthful imagination was filled with typical fantasies of adventure and excitement. However, I also began to develop early deductive reasoning skills.

For instance, I once wrote about my experiences jumping my bike into a ditch: "Jumping my bike off the track always results in me ending up in a skinned-knee heap in the hedge." My reflections led to questions like, "Is the bike the problem?" (It wasn’t.) "Is the drop the issue?" (A mere foot drop wasn’t the culprit, either.) "Am I just bad at landing and need more practice?" (Definitely a certainty based on my available knowledge.)

Writing has consistently served as a method for me to think critically, organize my thoughts, challenge my reasoning, learn, and grow. I find it both healthy and beneficial—when I go too long without writing, I notice a decline in my mood.

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As I mentioned earlier, writing provides not only a rational outlet but also an emotional release. It allows me to take a metaphorical deep breath after articulating my feelings on the page. Thus, writing becomes a free form of therapy, a second brain, a listener, a skeptic, and a supporter—all wrapped into one. It’s a superpower accessible to anyone willing to pick up a pen!

Naturally, I journal every day. I keep a handful of notebooks that chronicle my thoughts over the past thirty-five years. They reside in the bottom left drawer of my desk, and while I occasionally dust them off to review, the number of filled notebooks is unlikely to change. I tend to fill a standard notebook roughly every three to four months. Looking back can sometimes spark new ideas or clarify existing ones, leading me to transcribe thoughts into my current notebook.

I imagine the future biographer of my immensely successful self would have a tough time deciphering the seemingly random excerpts of my stream-of-consciousness thoughts spread across these few volumes. However, I remind myself that these notebooks are intended solely for my use.

I don't advocate for everyone to adopt my approach to capturing thoughts. Instead, I encourage you to reach for a pen, whether it's a ballpoint, a fountain pen, or a trusty pencil, the next time your mind feels cluttered. You never know where it might lead you.

Chapter 2: The Science Behind Writing

Writing isn’t just a creative endeavor; it also has profound effects on brain health. Engaging in the act of writing can stimulate cognitive functions and enhance memory retention.

After watching this, your brain will not be the same | Lara Boyd | TEDxVancouver discusses how writing can reshape your neural pathways and improve your overall mental health.

Additionally, gaining insights into brain health can further motivate your writing practice.

20 Game-Changing Insights on Brain Health offers valuable tips that highlight the importance of maintaining cognitive function through activities like writing.