Pen to paper

A few days ago we celebrated my daughters birthday at the park. (She turned six!) It was such a fun day, full of sweet girl giggles, tiaras, pink everything, glitter and fun. While out and about I tend to observe my surroundings, being mindful of who is around, especially while I have a dozen sweet girls in my care. My husband and I noticed something that made us each stop and ponder. A few benches over there was a group of middle school age children who looked like they were there to socialize, but every single one of them had some sort of smart phone in their face. We watched for a few minutes to realize nobody had made eye contact or muttered a word to the person sitting next to them.

Now I hold no judgments toward these preteen children. I recognize this is the world they are growing up in. We have a virtual reality on our hands and our children will be in a constant state of reaction and unoriginal thought.

According to a 2017 study, Americans spent almost six hours a day on their smart phones or other devices absorbing information. And Pew Research Center poll says teens are online "almost constantly" - They are consuming a large portion of information they haven't sought out. This information popping up in their hands is coming in via algorithms that large corporations are choosing them to see. Leaving them with a lack of identity, original thought and time.

How can we help ourselves and our children break the cycle? I encourage my kids and myself to take to pen and paper over devices. For my schedule, taking notes, making grocery lists and anything else you can think of to use an app for, try a good old fashion planner or stationary.

 Benefits of pen to paper vs. technology

slows down your mind to think clearer 

limits distractions

sparks greater creativity

While I do love technology and am incredibly grateful for its advances, I also appreciate the opportunity to be mindful, creative and free that pen to paper provides me. Writing by hand is a powerful tool for learning, relaxation, creativity and connection. 

“The pen compels lucidity.” And lucidity, I believe, offers a different and often clearer perspective of dreams, goals, challenges and life in general." Robert Stone


You can treat yourself to a cute new planner, stationary and pens or use the sticky notes in the kitchen junk drawer. Either way I encourage you to get out the pen and paper more often and try out for yourself the mindfulness of writing.


XOXO
Ashley