Handwriting, Memories, and Mindfulness: Finding Intention in the Small Things

At the beginning of the school year our kids brought home goal setting work sheets. My son wanted to get better at reading and my daughter was not sure what she wanted to work on. I suggested handwriting—she learned cursive in Montessori school and has beautiful handwriting when she slows down and tries. And you know what that little “kettle” said? She told this “pot” that maybe I should work on my own handwriting. Well played.

I admit, my handwriting has its own “style”—a bit messy, barely legible, but uniquely mine. And in this digital age, I worry about the death of handwriting and good penmanship. There is some much personality and familiarity in ones own writing. Back in 2016 I joined in on the trend of deceased parent handwriting tattoos. On the year anniversary of my mother's passing, my sister and I got matching “xxxooo” tattoos. She signed everything with three Xs and three Os. When I look at her handwriting on my ankle, it looks like her. It feels like her. I absolutely love it (though I know she would’ve been mortified that I got a tattoo in her memory—sorry, Mom! Xo).

So, as I look at my own handwriting, I wonder: would I want my kids to remember me by that? I’ve decided to be mindful, intentional about slowing down and making my writing legible, really savoring the process of putting pen to paper.

Plus, did you know there’s research suggesting that keeping your hands busy—whether through writing, knitting, or coloring—can actually reduce feelings of depression? So here’s to slowing down, staying present, and keeping those hands moving!