The Joy of Pen and Paper: Why I Still Love Journaling the Old-Fashioned Way
I don’t know about you, but I just love walking into an office supply store. To me, the scent of paper smells like possibilities.
All the pens, sticky notes, gadgets, and colorful paper make my brain light up!
And then, there is the excitement of choosing a new journal or planner.
Choosing the perfect cover. Spiral bound or perfect bound. Lined or unlined. What does the paper feel like? (sidenote - Have you ever been to a Japanese paper store?!) Then there’s choosing pens - my personal favorite right now are the Tul pens.
I get all warm and fuzzy when I hold a new journal in my hands. There’s something sacred about a blank page.
As a Christian life coach and the author of three guided journals, I’ve learned that what once felt like childlike wonder has become a powerful tool for helping me to see clearly, helping me to heal, and drawing me closer to Jesus.
In today’s world, doesn’t it seem like everything happens on a screen? But still, people are often drawn to pen and paper when they want to plan or process. And there’s good reasons for this!
Because writing in a paper journal offers something digital never quite can.
1. The Comfort of Tangibility and Sensory Experience
Picking up a paper journal is like giving your nervous system a warm hug. The glide of a good pen, the slight texture of the page, the quiet sound of ink etching your thoughts into reality—it’s a deeply grounding experience.
Nerd Alert: A study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that writing by hand stimulates the Reticular Activating System (RAS) in your brain, which helps you focus and integrate sensory input. In simple terms: when your hand moves across paper, your brain is more engaged, alert, and present.
In a world where we’re constantly scrolling and multitasking, this tactile connection can feel like a mini retreat. A moment of calm. I don’t know about you, but I need intentional time of slowing down.
2. Distraction-Free Focus and Deep Reflection
Have you ever sat down to journal on your phone, and 45 minutes later, realized you’ve answered emails, checked Instagram, and completely forgotten what you were feeling?
Yeah, me too.
That’s the beauty of paper journaling. No dings. No alerts. Just you, your thoughts, and a quiet page.
A 2020 study from the University of Tokyo found that people who wrote information by hand rather than on a tablet or computer recalled it more accurately and faster. Why? Because the brain has to work harder and more deliberately when writing manually, creating stronger memory pathways.
Writing on paper invites you into deeper thinking. It slows your pace just enough to let clarity emerge. You notice patterns, sit with emotions longer, and connect the dots more meaningfully. It becomes less about recording your life and more about understanding it.
3. Boosted Memory, Mental Health, and Creativity
Let’s talk brain benefits! Journaling by hand isn’t just comforting, it’s powerful.
Memory retention: According to Psychological Science, writing things out by hand helps your brain encode information more effectively than typing. Whether you're studying Scripture, setting goals, or jotting down what God is teaching you—it’s more likely to stick.
Mental clarity: Studies have shown that expressive writing (especially on paper) lowers stress, anxiety, and even blood pressure. The act of writing slows down racing thoughts, allowing you to process emotions in real time.
Creative thinking: Because writing by hand activates more areas of the brain—including those responsible for imagination and visualization—it actually makes you more creative.
When I journal, I often sense the Holy Spirit nudging a thought forward, helping me see a situation from a new angle or even bringing a Bible verse to mind. That creative flow feels different when my hands are on paper, less scattered, more grounded.
4. Privacy, Permanence, and Legacy
Unlike digital files that can vanish with a failed update or forgotten password, a paper journal stays. It’s yours, in your hands, always accessible.
Even more? It’s secure. Just pages tucked safely into a drawer or nightstand.
But my favorite aspect is this: a paper journal holds legacy.
Have you ever found a letter or recipe written in your grandparent’s handwriting? Did you hold it close and treasure it all the more? Think of the diaries that outlasted wars. These tangible pieces of history become family treasures. They tell stories that live long after we’re gone.
For the last few years of her life, my mom simply wrote in her calendar what she did every day. Among the doctor visits, trips, and scribbled recipes, the mentions of her children, grandchildren, and family were clearly the highlight of her life. And seeing her handwriting? So precious to us. Some day I want my grandchildren to see what I treasured. Reading the prayers I whispered for them, the promises I clung to, and the love letters I wrote to the Lord. It’s a quiet, beautiful way to pass on a living faith.
5. Meaningful, Thoughtful Gifts
Paper journals aren’t just for your nightstand—they make wonderful gifts.
A baby memory book for new parents
An anniversary journal for couples who want to document their story
A travel journal for the adventurer in your life
A legacy journal for grandparents to share their wisdom
A faith-based prompt journal (like the ones I’ve created!) for anyone navigating grief, growth, or a season of waiting
These aren’t just blank pages. They’re vessels of memory, reflection, and intention. When you give someone a journal, you’re offering them a sacred space to be fully themselves.
Why Paper Journaling Still Matters
In a world that’s always asking us to go faster, paper journaling invites us to slow down and listen.
To be fully present. To notice what God is doing in and around us. To document both the hard and the holy. And maybe—to fall in love with the joy of writing all over again.
So whether you're capturing answered prayers, working through tough emotions, or just scribbling thoughts over coffee—you’re doing something good for your soul.
If you’re ready to begin (or return to) your journaling journey, I’d love to invite you to explore my guided journals on Amazon:
Each one offers thoughtful prompts, space to reflect, and encouragement for the road ahead.
Because your story matters. Your voice matters.
