Rediscovering Simplicity of Paper and Pencil

Lately, I've been missing something I didn’t realize I was missing; paper. The simple sound of a pen gliding across a page, the crinkle of paper beneath my hands, the satisfaction of jotting down thoughts, ideas, and plans—these small, tactile experiences have been absent from my daily life for too long. I realized that, in the rush of modern convenience and digital overload, I lost touch with the physical presence of paper in my daily routines.

I know I am shifting my thoughts back several years, but I see women making bread, canning, feeding chickens, and sewing aprons, and I am not interested in all that.  Yet.  I am interested in slowing down and interacting with a process, plan, and paper.

So, for the month of October, I'm embarking on a personal challenge to rediscover the beauty and simplicity of paper. I’ll be leaning into old-school habits and shifting away from screens as much as possible. Here’s what I’m planning, and maybe it will inspire you too.

Reimagining My Relationship with Technology

I realized that much of my day revolves around my phone. Notifications, apps, and instant access to everything can make it feel like I’m always on call. What if I treated my cell phone like a landline? By stationing it in one spot and walking away from it when it’s not necessary, I’ll create boundaries between myself and constant digital interruptions. This will not only allow for more peace and focus, but also let me re-engage with the world around me—paper included.

Pen and Paper for Notes

Instead of reaching for my phone to jot down ideas or make notes, I’ll be picking up a pen and notebook. There’s something magical about seeing thoughts physically manifest on paper. Whether it’s during a meeting, a Bible study, or just brainstorming for a project, I want to feel the flow of writing again. I’ve already stocked up on a few favorite notebooks and pens, and I’m ready to dive in.  The holidays will be here lickedly-split and I want to think about gift-giving and baked goods all by myself.  I don’t want ads to tell me what to purchase or bake. 

Bringing Back the Paper Planner

For years, I have relied on Google Calendar and digital planners to organize my life, but there's a certain satisfaction in flipping through a paper calendar and mapping out my days. This October, I’ll return to a good old-fashioned lovely paper planner for scheduling my days, weeks, and goals. Taking time in the morning to plan with a cup of coffee and a journal will be a practice of intentionality and mindfulness.

Reviving the Art of Handwritten Letters

When was the last time I sent a card or letter instead of an email? I love the idea of surprising friends and family with handwritten notes, so for this month, I’ll be sending more letters. Not only does it give me a reason to pick up beautiful stationery, but it’s also a thoughtful way to connect on a deeper level. There’s something personal about receiving a handwritten note in the mail that digital messages just can’t replicate.  Also, I am hopeful I can send out Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Cards with a personal note inside.  I am sure going to try! 

Paper Only for Bible Study

I’ve often leaned on my Bible app and laptop for quick access to verses, but this month I’ll be using my physical Bible only. No digital references or quick searches. Instead, I’ll sit with the physical book, flipping through pages, underlining, and writing notes in the margins. The tactile engagement deepens my reflection and draws me closer to the Word. I will also take time to use my dictionary and commentary books for a more interactive study where I might find that I get stuck or curious about the Bible text.  It’s going to be so great! 

 Dusting Off a Paper Devotional

I have a few paper devotionals that I haven’t opened in a while.  OK!  Years!   Instead of looking for a new digital reading app or streaming podcast, I’ll use what I already own. There’s something special about working through a devotional book, knowing that each page holds insights and inspiration I might have missed before. I think I am the most excited about this change I will be making in October. 

Listening to Radio Preachers and Music

To minimize screen time, I’ll turn to the radio for my spiritual encouragement and music. There’s a unique charm to re-discovering preachers and programs over the airwaves instead of streaming something on demand. It’ll be a refreshing way to engage with content on God's timing, not mine.

DVDs from My Collection or the Library

I started this one today.  Remember DVDs? I still have a few favorites that I haven’t watched in years. Instead of relying on streaming services, I’ll pop in a DVD for movie nights or head to the library to borrow something new. It’s a small shift, but it’s all part of the intentional slow-down I’m seeking this month. Today, I put the original Jungle Book movie in the DVD for Jewelsy and didn’t have to stroll past all the other garbage to get to what I wanted to watch.  I pushed play and it appeared for me to select.  What a concept! 

Intentional Social Media Time

One thing I’m not completely cutting out is social media and email—but I’m drastically changing how I engage with it. For October, I’ll only access social media and my email on my computer at specific, scheduled times. No mindless scrolling on my phone, no quick checks during the day. Social media will become a tool I use purposefully rather than a distraction I fall into.

 What Else I Might Add?

I’m excited to see how this experiment goes, but I’m also thinking about other ways to incorporate more analog practices into my life. Here are a few more ideas I’m considering:

•  Reading physical books instead of e-books: There's nothing like the feel and smell of a physical book, and I want to make space for more quiet reading time this month.
• Journaling prayers and reflections: Instead of typing out prayers or thoughts on my phone, I could use a prayer journal to write them out by hand. It feels more intimate and reflective this way.
• Creating a gratitude list on paper: Each day, I’ll jot down three things I’m thankful for. It’s a simple practice, but putting it on paper helps cement those moments in my heart.
• Handwriting recipes: I am trying to love cooking, and there’s something nostalgic about handwritten recipes. I might start collecting and writing down my favorite recipes to pass down one day.

 This October, I’m intentionally slowing down and savoring the small joys of life that paper and pen bring. From planning my days to connecting with others through handwritten notes, I hope to rediscover the beauty of simplicity. Here's to a month of less screen time, more paper, and a renewed appreciation for life’s slower, more tactile moments. 

So, stay tuned.  I believe it will be enlightening.