All About You FRIDAY- Write Your Own Favorite Book

Ever hear of a commonplace (or commonplace book)? The idea dates back to the days of the ancient philosophers, like Aristotle, who compiled quotes and ideas into books for the purpose of learning. From the Greek, tópos koinós, meaning a general or common place, these books were collections of sayings, usually based on themes that one was exploring. It was a method of learning and retaining knowledge.

Different from a journal or a travelogue, which is often a personal record of events or ideas, the commonplace is more a repository of ideas and thoughts collected from other sources. Think of it as an analog version of Pinterest.

For years, I’ve kept a commonplace for clinical ideas. It sits on my desk at work and it is a collection of facts about muscles, biomechanics, manual techniques. But I have recently embarked on a project I find even more meaningful. I like to call it, Lola’s Book of Advice.

I purchased a few pocket notebooks like these in various colors, one for each of the special kids in my life who consider me a grandma (or Lola). I have 7 of them. My plan was to put quotes, ideas and lessons I learned from others and fill the book to be given to each of them when they turn 15. My first deadline is in a month, as the oldest kid, Luke, hits that milestone.

It is a commonplace of important things I’ve learned. Things that have shaped my life. Ideas that have helped me through some tough times and guided my difficult decisions. It is small enough to fit in their pocket, but big enough to make a difference.

Some of the topics include:

The two most important letters of the alphabet
Three organ (brain, heart and gut) decision making
The five love languages
Why you should learn a musical instrument
The importance of a really good kiss

When I finish it, it will be one of my favorite books, and hopefully one of theirs. I have also started a larger size commonplace to house these quotes and ideas so I have a record of them after I give the little book away.

Why commonplace?

Writing down ideas and quotes that mean something to you makes you an active observer
It boosts your creativity
It is an idea strainer. It today’s world of information overload, it can focus your thoughts and help you remember.

How to get started…

Buy a notebook. The A5 size is most recommended. Some popular notebooks are made by Moleskine and Leuchtturm1917. I use the medium size version of this one.
Keep it visible and next to you when you are reading, watching a YouTube video or trying to learn about a topic
Find your favorite pen and keep it with the notebook. Mine is the Zebra F-301.
Don’t worry about making it fancy or perfect. Just start writing.
Don’t be alarmed if writing feels weird. We have lost the practice of putting pen to paper. Keep at it. It gets easier.