There's a stain on my notebook where your coffee cup was
And there's ash in the pages, now I've got myself lost
I was writing to tell you that my feelings tonight
Are a stain on my notebook that rings your goodbye
“Black Coffee in Bed” by Squeeze
Hey, fellow notebook enthusiasts! Get ready to unleash your inner stationery geek because today is National Notebook Day: the one day a year when we can celebrate the enchanting world of pen and paper.
Some of you may recall that just a few months ago I waxed poetic about my Remarkable 2. While I still have a deep and abiding love for the “paperlike” device, my stylus pen is on the DL (disabled list), and I've had to return to notebooks and my Pilot G2 pens temporarily.
In a world dominated by screens, I'm taking a moment today to pay homage to the humble notebook and rediscover the magical joys of writing with my hands. So let's turn a new page and explore why notebooks are still pretty cool.
Tangible Awesomeness
Forget virtual interfaces… revel in the nostalgic tactile experience of a pen and paper. The smooth dance of your gel pen gliding across the crisp pages, the satisfying sound of flipping a page, and the inexplicable satisfaction of seeing your words and doodles come to life permanently — it's like a party for your senses! Relish this tangible physical connection and embrace the soothing and oh-so-satisfying act of scribbling away.
Processing Power
Do you retain information better when you write it down? There's a reason why modern offices are filled with whiteboards and post-it notes. Humans learn through the process of writing and brain activity increases when we write.
Unleash Your Inner Picasso
Calling all creative souls! Notebooks are the ultimate playground for artistic endeavors. Whether you're a writer, an artist, a poet, or just someone who loves to doodle, these trusty companions offer limitless possibilities. No word limits, no character counts — just pure, unadulterated creative freedom. Notebooks are where your imagination runs wild.
Diary of a Cool Kid
Notebooks are like secret agents, guarding your deepest thoughts and wildest dreams. They're the perfect confidants for your personal reflection and self-discovery journeys. Whether you're journaling about your latest adventure, making a fun bucket list, or pouring out your heart and soul, notebooks provide a safe space to let it all out. Embrace the therapeutic powers of pen and paper. But don't forget to hold onto them just in case you want to appear in a Mortified show later in life.
Unplug and Find Your Zen
Amidst the digital frenzy, National Notebook Day reminds us to unplug, take a break from screens, and find our Zen moments. Notebooks are our portals to a simpler, more mindful world. Most yoga retreats I've been on have encouraged using a notebook to capture thoughts and feelings that come up during practice or after a meditation session.
But even taking notes during a meeting, doodling during a brainstorming session, or jotting down a to-do list — these small acts help us regain focus, presence, and a sense of calm.
National Notebook Day is a time to celebrate pen and paper. So, dust off your favorite notebooks, grab those colorful pens or pencils, and find a healthy balance between the digital and analog realms.
Happy scribbling, my fellow notebook lovers!
Maura Charles is the founder of Keep it Human. As a Product Leadership Coach and Consultant, she is on a mission to help teams and organizations embrace human skills like communication and emotional intelligence in their ways of working.
She brings 25 years of experience as an editor, product manager, and digital business leader to bear on the challenges of building human-centered high-performing tech teams.
If you'd like to develop more human business and tech teams that hum together to drive results, check out Keep it Human and follow Maura Charles on LinkedIn.