Disclaimer, I love handwriting. TL;DR handwriting = write only + self-expression
I think that handwriting and its constraints, lead to a different mindset from when you're typing on a keyboard:
- It's write Only; You can't erase easily, so you either accept it and just keep pushing forward or you get distracted by not being able to do so (good), leading you to think twice before writing (bad).
- The physical coordination involved is a soothing and mindful process (at least for me) and it feels much more creative than typing. It's way easier to stay focused while doing so (might relate to my ADHD).
I rememeber vividly myself asking my dad when I was a kid why his handwriting was so different from what I learning at school. He told me that the success criteria for writing is can you read your own writing? Can you make an effort to make readable for others when you intend it to be read by someone else? If yes, that's good enough, nobody cares if you draw letters in a uncommon fashion, as long as they can understand the words.
While questionable at times, the way that doctors write follows this logic, because when writing the prescription the tend to optimize for writing more than reading, and therefore allow themselves more freedom.
I feel that once you've taken that step, writing becomes a much more enjoyable process. When I write, a "f" will be drawn differently, depending if it's the first letter of the word, or in the middle (as in "effort").
So I end up having three "modes" for handwriting:
- Ephemeral, I'll write things so quickly that I know I'll be able to decipher it only for a few days, while the topic is still fresh in my brain.
- Just for me, so I make zero efforts, just paying a bit more attention so I don't end up scribbling "effort" into "e||o||" which may cause problems in a month or two.
- For others, where I'll keep my handwriting peculiarities, but make sure it's absolutely decipherable (so no shortcuts, no stroked words, etc ..)
Strangely, I remember myself handwriting things, but I never remember typing something (though I'll remember about the thoughts of course). It's like handwriting is a more anchored experience somehow.
I think that handwriting and its constraints, lead to a different mindset from when you're typing on a keyboard:
- It's write Only; You can't erase easily, so you either accept it and just keep pushing forward or you get distracted by not being able to do so (good), leading you to think twice before writing (bad).
- The physical coordination involved is a soothing and mindful process (at least for me) and it feels much more creative than typing. It's way easier to stay focused while doing so (might relate to my ADHD).
I rememeber vividly myself asking my dad when I was a kid why his handwriting was so different from what I learning at school. He told me that the success criteria for writing is can you read your own writing? Can you make an effort to make readable for others when you intend it to be read by someone else? If yes, that's good enough, nobody cares if you draw letters in a uncommon fashion, as long as they can understand the words.
While questionable at times, the way that doctors write follows this logic, because when writing the prescription the tend to optimize for writing more than reading, and therefore allow themselves more freedom.
I feel that once you've taken that step, writing becomes a much more enjoyable process. When I write, a "f" will be drawn differently, depending if it's the first letter of the word, or in the middle (as in "effort").
So I end up having three "modes" for handwriting:
- Ephemeral, I'll write things so quickly that I know I'll be able to decipher it only for a few days, while the topic is still fresh in my brain.
- Just for me, so I make zero efforts, just paying a bit more attention so I don't end up scribbling "effort" into "e||o||" which may cause problems in a month or two.
- For others, where I'll keep my handwriting peculiarities, but make sure it's absolutely decipherable (so no shortcuts, no stroked words, etc ..)
Strangely, I remember myself handwriting things, but I never remember typing something (though I'll remember about the thoughts of course). It's like handwriting is a more anchored experience somehow.