Sure, typing's faster -- but writing by hand allows you to take a leisurely stroll through your own mind. Both typing and handwriting are useful in journal writing.

Difficulty Level: average to hard      Time Required: 15 minutes to 1 hour

1. Find a pen you like to use and a notebook you like to write in.
2. Slow down. Keep in mind that legibility is more important than aesthetic beauty in handwriting. You want to be able to read your entry later. Write an entire entry by hand, date it, and look it over. Can you read it? Both good and bad ideas have been generated by people who misread their own handwriting.
4. Are there particular letters you form in such unique ways they can't be deciphered? Practice more standard formations for the whole alphabet, or just these hard-to-read letters.
5. Try printing instead of handwriting for a while so you adjust to forming individual letters. Then go back to writing.
6. If your writing is still hard to read, buy (or borrow) a kid's handwriting workbook.
7. If you trust yourself and don't have a new palmtop, keep your calendar on paper in your handwriting. Make writing a neat page part of your planning ritual.
8. Write thank yous, family notes and short office memos by hand. Remember to slow down a little.
9. If your writing is legible but you don't like the look of it, consider taking a calligraphy class.
   

1. Write a journal entry with your non-dominant hand. This will slow you down, help you think about the writing process -- and make your real handwriting look great in comparison.
2. Can you visualize your parents' and grandparents' handwritings? Let family and friends see your hand regularly. They'll appreciate it even if you don't.
3. Consider having a font made from your best handwriting for computer journaling.
   

--Catherine deCuir, cdecuir@pacbell.net