I’m a big fan of pen and paper.
My paper weapon of choice is a Moleskine notebook. “Which one” is kind of like asking a chocolate lover “which kind”, because I’ll answer “whichever one is in front of me”. I probably have at least a dozen laying around at any given time. Some are for work. Some are for journaling.
But when I’m in the early stages of thought, be it for a book or a post or a presentation or even a business idea, I absolutely must rely on paper and a pen. I happen to believe that writing words out on paper has a special power, a special ability to draw out thoughts and ideas and I know I process things differently in my head when I’m writing with ink.
My typical pen choice is all over the map, but I couldn’t resist when Pilot Pen reached out to me and asked me to participate in their Power to the Pen and Think Ink initiatives.
To give you an idea what a perfect fit this is for me, I’ve never before done a post on my blog based on a marketing or PR pitch. This is the one and only campaign I’ve ever agreed to be a part of because it was SO ME. In consideration for my participation, Pilot sent me a bunch of pens and a check that will buy me a couple of nice bottles of wine to sip while I’m writing.
So, as part of that, here’s a letter I might write today to my younger self with my most important advice on life and career, and a very specific answer on what I’d change.
Dear Me…
Thanks again to the folks at Pilot for the fun.
I’ll handwrite some more later this week with my new favorite Varsity fountain pen. After all, I have lots of notebooks to fill.
Wow…Monday morning and I haven’t even had my coffee yet…but I feel like I could take on the world. Your letter touched me deeply, and – once again – your willingness to share yourself is inspiring.
I’m facing some major life changes and decisions right now…and this letter – if you don’t mind – will be printed and tucked away to remind me, in the thick of it, just how strong I am because of where I’ve come. I may also write a letter of my own.
Thanks, again, for the motivation to “get to it.”
Thanks, Stephanie. I’m glad it helped, and by all means, tuck it away somewhere if it can help again another time. Best of luck with all of the big changes and decisions. You’ll be fantastic.
Are you a fellow “leftie?” That was an awesome letter…and I think the Pilot campaign itself is pretty genius. Who knew that reading handwritten notes on the web would be so compelling?
Hi Rosemary, nope! I’m a rightie. I’ve attempted to learn to write with my left hand and it’s a mess. And isn’t the campaign cool? I think handwriting alone is so compelling for so many reasons. There’s so much personality and unspoken things in it, like body and mind language on paper. I love it. Thanks for reading!
Love that letter! It’s quite inspirational and real.
Your handwriting is amazing. I don’t think Pilot wants me to scribble down my chicken-scratch together; it would make them look bad. 😉
Thanks, Joe! And I defy the “chicken scratch” thing. Our handwriting is a very personal thing, actually. I think everyone’s says something about them.
One question, do you like to write with 0.7mm or 0.5mm pens? I find that .7 is more comfortable, but looks more sloppy and .5 looks sharper but digs into the paper too much. Thoughts?
I’m a .5mm person. The finer the point the better when it comes to a rollerball or fountain pen. I’m a calligrapher in a former life, too, but that’s a whole different set of criteria. 🙂
That handwriting? *SWOON*
Thank you. Many years of journals and lots of calligraphy probably helped.
YES! Loved this. Especially the PS.
It’s the truth. She really does make all the sanity worthwhile. I know you know how that goes. 🙂
I LOVE your handwriting. LOVE it. I want to get Pilot to talk to me too dammit! (hook that up will you lady?) Also, I have four new notebooks sitting directly to the right of me…. 😀
Thanks, Colleen! I’m sure the Pilot people are reading. 🙂 I really have to prevent myself from buying countless new notebooks I know I can’t fill, but there’s something so full of promise about a blank, bound collection of beautiful paper. It just begs for writing and thinking.
You are a woman after my own heart:)