Once upon a time, writing was a privilege reserved for the few. Those who could read and write were seen as educated, elite—even powerful. Letters were penned with intention. Words were chosen carefully. Entire pages were filled with flourishes, metaphors, and meaning. It wasn’t just communication—it was an art.
Fast forward to today, and we live in a world of abbreviations and emojis. Cursive isn’t even taught in many schools anymore, and most kids can’t read it—let alone write it. Instead, we’ve got “omg,” “idk,” and “lol” as full expressions of thought. It’s faster, sure. But is it better?
Let’s be clear: language is meant to evolve. Every generation puts its own stamp on communication, and the rise of digital shorthand isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it’s a fascinating reflection of how adaptable we are. But in the rush to simplify, are we losing something meaningful?
What We’ve Gained—and What We’re Losing
Today’s communication is lightning-fast. A message that once took days to arrive can now be sent and read in seconds. That’s progress. But the downside? We rarely pause to think before we write. We’ve traded elegance for efficiency—and in doing so, we’ve lost a bit of the soul of writing.
Writing used to be a way to connect deeply—not just inform. It revealed who we were, what we believed, what we feared, and what we hoped for. Now, with everything abbreviated, we risk losing the nuances that make human connection so rich.
A Middle Ground Worth Finding
Here’s the thing: we don’t need to choose between Shakespearean sonnets and TikTok slang. We can value both. We can appreciate the way today’s teens communicate with speed and humor and still teach them the beauty of handwriting a thank-you note or journaling their thoughts in full sentences.
There’s value in slowing down sometimes. In writing something you don’t delete and rewrite a dozen times. In putting pen to paper and letting your thoughts breathe. Whether it’s in a journal, a blog, or a handwritten letter—writing with intention is one of the best ways to understand yourself and connect with others.
Why I Started a Blog
Part of this thinking is exactly why I decided to start a blog in the first place. I’d lie in bed at night thinking about words I wanted to write, stories I wanted to share, and little thoughts that would pop into my head—those random, fleeting “shower thoughts” that feel too good to keep to yourself.
I needed a space to put them. A space to explore them. A space that didn’t rely on a character limit or get buried in a feed five seconds later. For me, blogging became that outlet. A way to slow down, write on purpose, and speak in full sentences again.
So, Where Do We Go From Here?
If you grew up learning cursive and writing essays by hand, maybe this post feels a little nostalgic. If you grew up texting more than typing, maybe it feels a little old-school. Either way, the future of writing isn’t about going backward—it’s about carrying the best of the past into what’s next.
Teach your kids how to write beyond a screen. Show them how to express themselves fully, not just in quick clips. And most of all, make time to write for you—because no matter how the world changes, writing is still one of the most powerful ways we make sense of it.
Want to bring more intentional writing into your life?
Start small: journal once a week, write a letter to someone you love, or simply jot down your thoughts with a real pen and paper. You don’t have to be eloquent—you just have to be you.
