Power in the Pen

"There is power in the pen.”

There’s so much truth in this phrase. Without the written word, we wouldn’t have history, religion, science, math, or countless other cornerstones of civilization. For thousands of years, people have used rocks, papyrus, metal, and eventually paper to document their lives and communities.

We only know our history because individuals took the time to write it down—by hand. Letters, laws, religious teachings, and everything in between were painstakingly recorded. Imagine the dedication it took to complete these tasks without the convenience of modern tools! We owe so much to their efforts, which allow us to access the knowledge we have today.

With the rise of technology, documenting our lives has never been easier. We can type quickly on a keyboard, record videos, or even use AI to write for us. So why bother with a pen at all? Aren’t computers and cameras enough to preserve our stories?

Maybe. (After all, I am typing this newsletter!)

But I believe the act of writing with a pen taps into something special. It unlocks a creative force within us, helping us see and feel in ways that technology can’t replicate. A quote by James Clear says:

I love this! Writing allows you to conjure up something of value where nothing previously existed.

I experience this firsthand every day when I write in my gratitude journal with my favorite pen. Even with my less-than-perfect handwriting, the practice is therapeutic. I document my feelings, goals, affirmations, and lessons learned. Often, I forget what I’ve written—but that’s the beauty of it. These thoughts and experiences aren’t truly lost; they’re preserved.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, I started a journal called Letters to Arwen. I wanted my daughter to have something special to remember me by—something that captured not just my love for her, but also the joy and excitement of watching her grow. Today, I continue writing in this journal, recording the funny things she says, the milestones we celebrate, and the adventures we share. I hope she treasures these letters someday as much as I treasure writing them.

There is incredible power in the pen. It allows us to remember, envision, and create our lives in profound ways. Technology may be convenient, but writing by hand connects us more deeply to who we are.

Moral of the Story: If you want to bring more power into your life, start writing! Grab a notebook and pen and document your lessons and experiences. Set a rhythm that works for you—weekly, monthly, or even daily. You could write down five things you’re grateful for, set goals each Sunday, or pen a letter to someone special. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be done. Are you up for the challenge?

I would love to hear your power in the pen practices! Feel free to reply to this email and let me know! It's always inspiring to hear what others are doing.

Until next week,

Erica ❤️🌺