[February 18, 2025 – Blog] As we plunge into 2025, a world more digitally charged than ever before, I am reminded of how much the simple act of picking up a pen and paper can change our thinking. For me, it’s an art form—I enjoy calligraphy, where each letter is like a mini drawing.
A friend of mine, Mitch Joel, introduced me to “The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper” by Roland Allen. The book begins with 1000 BC, a time before notebooks existed, and continues to the present day, where they have made a resurgence. The book’s central idea is that notebooks and handwritten thoughts have profoundly influenced creative processes throughout history. The author shares insights on how the tactile act of writing awakens our senses, fosters clear thought patterns and even brings us joy.
Additionally, the book explores the utilitarian origins of notebooks, as well as the personal emotions and connections people develop with them and their stationery. This really hit home with me. I have always loved and collected beautiful and interesting stationery. Just feeling different types of paper is a creative experience in itself. A trip to a stationery or pen shop remains one of my favorite retail journeys.
When you feel stuck or need help solving a problem, try doodling or writing down your thoughts. You may be surprised by how new ideas will form and take shape. When I wrote my book, “Cowgirl Power,” I didn’t sit down at my computer and write it from beginning to end. The final product emerged from hundreds of pages of handwritten notes—scribbled to myself while sitting on an airplane, watching the weather roll in at our ranch, or having a cup of coffee.
Try keeping a journal. One friend told me she writes down what she is grateful for each day—what a superb idea! Keeping our eye on the positive is a powerful force for good.
Writing this by hand before typing it for you…
Gay Gaddis
Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.
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