Writing and Journaling - Part 2
Journaling can keep your brain in tip-top shape. Not only can it boost memory and comprehension, it can increase working memory capacity, evoke mindfulness, and can help improve self-confidence.
There are no fixed rules to keeping a journal. Journals can be the key to maintain dialogue with yourself; you do it your way. Here are some resources to help you start or continue journaling.
Journaling information
Journal help and Prompts
Email your future self
Write an email to yourself in the future! This can be a very therapeutic exercise. What do you want your future self to know? Goals, reminders, visions, predictions, love messages, realization. Whatever you think your future self needs to hear. You pick the date and your email will be sent to you at that time.
Calligraphy
With technology being such a big part of our lives, it comes as no surprise that most of us rarely pay attention to how we write. Government forms, coursework and job applications can all be done online without picking up a pen or pencil.
Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting. The term may derive from the Greek words for “beauty” (kallos) and “to write” (graphein). Calligraphy is a form of art, and as such, can help stimulate creativity, relieve stress, and improve focus.
Here are some resources that can help:
The Happy Ever Crafter Is a YouTube channel dedicated to calligraphy. Whether you’re just beginning or looking for creative calligraphy crafts this channel has it all. For beginners, check out Getting Started with Calligraphy playlist.
The Flourish Forum is an online forum that calligrapher Erica McPhee started several years ago. If you need advice, want to share your work, or have any technical questions, this is the place to do it.
Copperplate Style Handbook In this handbook you’ll find examples and instructions for making Copperplate lettering – A style of calligraphy. Dr. Vitolo includes a lot of information about calligraphy in general: which nibs to use, which paper to write on, how to prepare your nibs.
PAScribe is a YouTube channel dedicated to copperplate calligraphy. Here is a 3 part series on Calligraphy posture, placement and position:
Transcriptions
Interested in American history? Here is an opportunity to help historians from the Boston Public Library, Newberry library and Library of congress transcribe old diaries, letters, and speeches. This is a great way to learn history while using your writing skills. These manuscripts are handwritten in cursive and can often be hard to decipher. Have a look and see what you can translate!
eBook Suggestions
Hoopla
- Journaling through: Seven Benefits of Unlocking the wisdom within By: Angela Caughlin
- Creative Calligraphy By: Kristara Schnippert
- Calligraphy Workbook for beginners By: Maureen Peters
Cloud Library
- Manual of Painting and Calligraphy By: José Saramago