Left-handers, right-brained thinkers & the power of journaling | Lefties who left a mark with journaling as their companion.

The science of artsy left-handedness

Let’s think about what left-handedness makes an individual for a minute before we think about their essentials.
Left-handedness is often associated with right-brain dominance, which means they are more creative, spatially aware, and artistic. The brain's right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and is typically responsible for tasks involving visual and spatial processing, intuition, and holistic thinking.
So if your friend or loved one is a lefty, rush to them for art inspiration or creative advice. And watch them blow your mind away with ease.
This is because studies suggest that left-handers may have a more developed right hemisphere, which contributes to their creative and imaginative nature.

One significant study conducted by the University of Athens found that left-handed individuals tend to excel at divergent thinking, a key component of creativity.
Quite like many artists, scientists & inventors throughout history & the current era.
Divergent thinking involves generating multiple solutions to a problem, often leading to innovative and unconventional ideas.

 

Lefties who left a mark & their journaling habits

Leonardo Da Vinci
One of history's most celebrated geniuses, was a left-hander known for his extraordinary contributions to art, science, and engineering. Leo's masterpieces, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, continue to capture audiences worldwide. However, da Vinci's brilliance extended far beyond his artistic talents. He was a prolific inventor, anatomist, and scientist who made groundbreaking discoveries in various fields.

Da Vinci's journals provide a fascinating glimpse into his mind and creative process. He meticulously documented his ideas, sketches, and observations in numerous notebooks. These journals reveal his insatiable curiosity and ability to connect seemingly unrelated concepts. For instance, his studies of human anatomy informed his art, resulting in incredibly lifelike and anatomically accurate drawings. Da Vinci's journaling habit allowed him to explore complex ideas, refine his thoughts, and innovate in multiple domains.

Bill Gates 

The co-founder of Microsoft and a pioneering figure in the technology industry is another notable left-hander who has made a significant impact on the world.
While Gates has not kept detailed journals like Da Vinci, he has credited journaling with helping him make important decisions in his life. In a 2001 speech to Warren Buffett and colleagues, Gates spoke about how journaling helped him decide to focus more on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Journaling has allowed Gates to organize his thoughts, plan his projects, and reflect on complex ideas, ultimately guiding his professional and personal endeavours.

Wolfgang Amadeus  Mozart
A prolific and influential composer of the Classical era was a left-hander whose musical genius continues to inspire generations. Mozart composed over 600 works, including symphonies, operas, and chamber music, many of which are considered masterpieces of Western music.

Mozart's relationship with journaling is evident in his extensive correspondence and musical sketches. His letters to family and friends often contained reflections on his compositions, personal experiences, and creative processes. These writings offer valuable insights into his musical genius and the emotional depth behind his works. Mozart's habit of documenting his thoughts and ideas helped him refine his compositions and maintain a prolific output throughout his career.

EMINEM

Marshall Mathers, known professionally as Eminem, is a left-handed rapper, songwriter, and record producer who has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Eminem is renowned for his intricate lyrics, complex rhyme schemes, and emotionally charged performances. He has sold millions of albums worldwide and is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time.

Eminem's relationship with journaling is deeply intertwined with his songwriting process. He often writes his lyrics in loose sheets, capturing raw emotions and thoughts as they come to fuel his music.
He considers it therapy and a creative outlet that allows him to channel his experiences and emotions into his music, creating deeply personal and impactful works.

Oprah Winfrey
As the host of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," she became a cultural icon, using her platform to inspire and empower millions of viewers. Beyond her television career, Oprah is known for her philanthropic efforts and contributions to various social causes.

Oprah is a strong advocate of journaling and has often spoken about its transformative power. She has kept journals for years, using them to reflect on her life, set intentions, and cultivate gratitude. Oprah's journaling practice has helped her navigate challenges, maintain a positive mindset, and achieve personal and professional growth. Through journaling, Oprah has been able to connect with her inner self and stay grounded amid her busy and influential career.

Lefty or righty, journaling benefits everyone

While journaling has proven to be a valuable tool for creative left-handers, its benefits extend to everyone, regardless of handedness.
Journaling offers a range of advantages that can enhance personal growth, creativity, and well-being.

1. Stress Relief and Emotional Expression
   Journaling provides a safe space to express emotions and process experiences. Writing about thoughts and feelings can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and promote emotional well-being. It allows individuals to release pent-up emotions and gain a better understanding of their inner world.
   
   
2. Creativity boost
   Engaging in regular journaling stimulates the creative process. Writing freely without judgement encourages divergent thinking and helps generate new ideas. Journals can serve as a repository for creative concepts, sketches, and inspirations, fostering a continuous flow of innovative thinking.
   
   
3. Improved problem-solving skills
   Journaling enables individuals to analyse complex problems and explore different perspectives. By writing about challenges and brainstorming potential solutions, individuals can gain insights and develop effective strategies. The act of writing helps organize thoughts and promotes logical reasoning.
   
   
4. Self-reflection and personal growth
   Journaling promotes self-reflection and self-awareness. It allows individuals to track their progress, set goals, and evaluate their actions. Regular reflection helps identify patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement, leading to personal growth and development.
   
   
5. Enhancing memory and learning
   Writing things down enhances memory retention and learning. Journaling helps reinforce important information and facilitates deeper understanding. It can be a valuable tool for students, professionals, and anyone seeking to retain knowledge and improve their cognitive abilities.
   
   
6. Mindfulness and Presence
   Journaling encourages mindfulness by bringing attention to the present moment. It helps individuals stay grounded and focused on their thoughts and experiences. This practice of mindfulness can improve overall well-being and reduce anxiety.

What will the Lefties love? The perfect lefty-friendly notebook

When we closely observed some lefties writing in notebooks, we observed 2 cases.

Problem case 1 -
They often struggled with the left-side book cover closing in on their hand as they tried to enjoy the flow of their pen in a new notebook. This cover interference disrupts their writing rhythm and makes the overall experience uncomfortable and frustrating.

Possible solution - A Swiss binding notebook with a lay-flat design. This sort of binding has an open spine so that the cover doesn’t shut itself close when a lefty starts writing.

FLAW with the solution - The notebook doesn't feel secure to work with & carry around tension-free. The loose binding makes it feel flimsy, and there's a constant concern about the pages getting damaged or the notebook falling apart. This lack of durability and security can make lefties hesitant to rely on it for their regular writing needs in school, university or everyday life.

Problem case 2 -
SMUDGING, SMUDGING & HORRENDOUS SMUDGING.

Left-handed writers often drag their hand across the ink as they write, leading to smudged and messy pages. This not only ruins the written content but also makes the writing process unpleasant and discouraging.

But worry not, for two problems, we have one solution!

Dingbats Notebooks* offer a comprehensive solution to both problems.
Our notebooks open flat onto the table while being thread-bound, providing a secure and stable writing surface without the issue of the cover closing in on the hand.
The notebooks are also smudge-proof and bleed-proof, ensuring a clean and neat writing experience for lefties.

Here's why –
Every Dingbats* notebook is crafted with a vanguard blend that offers a matchless writing experience.
Our Mixed Media (MM) blend is perfect for those who seek a grade of paper that adapts to their mixed media of inks, brushes, watercolours, and more!
Each page is made of 160gsm matte natural white paper, which is acid-free and totally fountain pen-friendly. So as a lefty, you can scribble, doodle, journal, and jot down your ideas and notes for years to come.
Grab your lefty-friendly notebooks from our Pro Collection here 

A note for the eco-conscious

While we have our heart out for the lefties, we ensure no animal species is left behind either.
For every notebook you own, we contribute 2% of your order in support of wildlife preservation and environmental conservation undertaken by WWF-UK.
Our commitment extends beyond monetary support as the water used to craft our Vanguard paper mix is returned to the environment in a cleaner state than before. Furthermore, we ensure that every resource utilised in our manufacturing process is meticulously broken down to its ultimate form before we responsibly discard it.

Take action!

Whether you’re left-handed or not, journaling can be a powerful tool for personal growth and creativity. Why not pick up a lefty-friendly Dingbats* notebook and start your own journaling journey?
And if you are a right-hander, celebrate the lefties in your life by gifting them a notebook that understands their needs and supports their creative endeavours.

Let's make sure no lefty is left behind!