Overcoming Burnout ~ Finding Joy with My Fountain Pens

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

When I watch your channel, I don't see a fountain pen innfluencer who's saying, " look at me, and what I have", I see someone who enjoys pens so much, that you want to share your joy and reach out to others. Your happiness with pens and inks, comes out through the screen.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you so much, Teresa. You are so sweet - I'm very happy that my Sailor and Currently inked video was what brought you to my channel and sharing in the joy of my fountain pens with me. I appreciate you for your kind words and always sharing your experiences and love for fountain pens. That makes me feel great to hear I am fostering a positive environment and space for you all! Making connections around fountain pens have been truly fulfilling for me!

[@jamesaritchie1]

Exactly.

[@journalsandjuju]

As a mental health professional myself, I agree with you. Social media has definitely made it to where we feel that we need it. No, we don't. We just want it. Being mindful and giving ourselves some grace will benefit us in the long run. Thank you for such a thought-provoking video. I so enjoyed it. ❤

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you so much for watching and letting me know you enjoyed it! Indeed, slowing down and being more mindful of how we want to cater our collection of pens and sticking to that will help us truly appreciate and use them for a long long time :)

[@starflash8316]

I have thought long and hard about buying an expensive pen: for me the writing experience and the ink is what gives me pleasure. I buy very inexpensive pens, tune the nibs myself and perfer to spend my money on good paper and ink. If I damage a pen, it wont matter! This is the first video I have watched and it made such a refresing change from the consumerist slant of many vidos I have seen. Subscribed! 💙💚💛

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you so much for the sub, Starflash. Glad this video was a fresh change of pace for ya :) I like that thinking you have and your choice of pens paper and ink! Thank you for sharing your own thoughts, too! :)

[@arlenet.1520]

Hello! I loved this video! I’m 14 months into this hobby and I am so thankful I met you last year during my journey. I’m thankful I didn’t start fast and furious into pen hobby but let’s not talk about the ink addiction. As healthcare workers we do go through periods of burnout. Thank God for fountain pen hobby! As I meet more people in this hobby I do see the burnout in others but I do notice that conversations and fountain pens do help heal others. Always thankful for all of your content! Stay healthy and awesome my friend…😊

[@KenchanKrafts]

LOL great to see you catching up on some of my newer videos, Arlene! :D Yes...we shall not speak of the ink addiction lol!! The ones that know know. hahaha! But inks are just so much fun, too. I just wished they weren't so damn expensive but those damn manufacturers gotta exploit the current economy and this hobby somehow to stay alive and current. So I get it...pigmented/dyed water must come at a price. I'm thankful for knowing you as well and that you found my channel when you started off in this fountain pen journey! I agree 1000% with you that the people I have met and connect with are one of the best joys of this hobby - and a great way for me to enjoy this hobby knowing that social media is just right outside my door - but so are my friends in this journey! :) Ya'll make this hobby so much more enjoyable and long lasting!

[@Doc_T1k]

It takes much courage to speak from such a raw, authentic place in one’s journey, not just the pen pilgrimage, but life in general. This is the video I didn’t expect, but it has raised the bar for me to filter all other channels. #keepingUSreal thank you always, for your efforts to make our community better every day 🙏🏻💕

[@KenchanKrafts]

♥♥♥This is why you're amazing ;) Always finding ways to further your own awareness through consciously consuming insightful and thoughtful videos - well at least I hope mine have been for you and others! :D Thank you for saying those words - I definitely believed that sharing a vulnerable story near and dear to me was pertinent to expressing my joy for fountain pens and my journey. #keepingUSreal

[@jeanrobinson6584]

Great that you have found a clear perspective and balance in your life. You know I buy less expensive pens than many collectors and have come to appreciate the high end priced pens I see on KZbin without feeling the need to buy them for myself. It’s all about the balance and maintaining a certain restraint for me…and knowing that I can do that in itself brings me joy as I continue to use all my pens in all my journals……. thank you for the thoughtful and honest insightful video.x

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you, Jean. That's right, it took a while, but I have a clearer perspective and balance in my life now and I couldn't feel happier with where I am right now. There's always room and space for improvement and being in an even better place, but that's exactly like fountain pens - appreciate where you are right now instead of wanting better - and I totally appreciate where I am now in life. I feel you 100% on the joy that comes when we succeed in managing our impulses and implemented good restraint! It's a very great feeling! Thanks for your kind words and watching as always!

[@oliviatrelles]

As many have said, what a great video. That impulse to buy and get the jolt of joy from acquiring can be so strong. So appreciate your honesty and also strategies to deal with that feeling. A phrase that always sticks with me and helps slow me down is feelings aren’t reality and feelings are temporary. So that pen I must have might be temporary as well. Thanks for making such a thoughtful video 😊 I still collect but like you I try to slow down.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hello Olivia! Thank you so much for your lovely words and sharing your thoughts! Impulse actions are so strong indeed and the feelings of regret or diminishing joy afterwards can be so hard to sit through or recover from sometimes when that’s the case. I’m glad my discussion was fruitful for you - I love that phrase and train of thought! I always use that with the parents and kiddos I work with when working through their very big scary emotions! Those feelings are not reality and they come and go like the wind. So let it blow on by and just feel the breeze without needing to act on it right away 😇 I hope you’re always enjoying your lovely fountain pens as much as I enjoy mine! ❤️

[@kari.bullet.journal]

Great video dear Ken! I have not yet reached a burnout with fountain pens. I have found so much joy in this hobby and it centres me after stressful day. I love the fountain pen and journaling community! I found the most fascinating and beautiful friend… friends for life! ❤❤❤❤

[@KenchanKrafts]

Me, too, Kari!! I find so much joy with my fountain pens. I just wanted to come on and share how real burnout is in a world without fountain pens and that it can happen pretty easily in any of our hobbies, too, like the fountain pen hobby. I cannot wait to hangout more with you at the SF pen show, IF you're going there, too! XD I have made so many lovely friends through this hobby and I think that's another one huge factor that keeps me away from fountain pen burnout - the joy I get from talking to people, having friends penable and keep me away from being penabled, and so much more!! :) Thank you for watching this video - I'm happy to see you here watching them ^_^

[@nicksg3002]

I think those burnouts are "needed" like focus on fountain pens and journaling that takes our minds to happier places eventhough many other people may not agree. For me, your videos, your kind answers, your hobby, your shares, all are to me like a good friend and the only fountain pen fanatic with whom I can share since nobody near me enjoys it. Thank you Leo❤🎉🖋️🎨📖

[@KenchanKrafts]

XD Oh Nick, yes! You've got a friend in me!! :) I'm glad to know I can help make you feel less alone around you with my videos! Journaling and focusing on the pens we have and love are what is important about maintaining a healthy outlook in this hobby and lifestyle (using luxury pens to write lol). Burnout thoughts happen and challenging them helps to avoid full burnout - so I feel you there - sometimes it is a necessary reminder that we don't need to keep on spending to really be happy!

[@LittleCocoStudio]

Thank you for this beautiful video, Lao. I appreciated hearing your story over fountain pen burn out, and how you have been able to integrate this hobby with other factors in your life. 💗 Also, as a side note, your example of wanting curly hair - that resonated a little too well with me. I once went so far as to pay for a perm so that I could have curly/wavy hair. It was so challenging to maintain, that it really taught me to appreciate what I have. And, it hasn’t stopped me from admiring wild, curly hair. I think that’s where I’m at right now with fountain pens - I adore learning about and discovering fountain pens from others, so when I inevitably want to add/take away pens from my collection, it will add to my anticipation and excitement. 🥰

[@KenchanKrafts]

Oh Alison, XD I didn’t mean to choose an example that would hit close for you. But I’m glad it is relatable to fountain pen comparing. Although I didn’t experience full blown fountain pen burnout like Roy, I do know the signs that can come up and I was grateful for having had the awareness to step aside and not let the thoughts or purchases turn into a struggle for me - my fountain pens are supposed to be my joy away from stress ^_^ Thank you for sharing your thoughts here too alongside my discussion. I love what you said, we will appreciate each other’s collections without needing to feel pressured or swayed one way or another, but when we are ready to add to our collection, we shall have just as much excitement!

[@unhealthy_levels_of_matt]

Hi Lao! This was such an enjoyable video and relatable for me, not so much for fountain pen burnout specifically, but more generally about burnout and how it affects all parts of your life. Glad you've made it through a tough period in your life and are doing well. Always enjoy seeing your pens but this was also nice to get to know you a bit more, as I think a lot of pen people likely have more in common. Long comment to make up for all your videos I watch and enjoy without commenting 😆

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hey Matt! So awesome to get this lovely message from you that encompasses your support and views of the rest of my videos, Haha! :D It's great that this resonated with you outside of the hobby! I didn't expect to talk about personal life struggles, but I think that going in this route was helpful to connect on deeper levels and still involving our love for fountain pens :) Thank you for letting me know this was an enjoyable video! Definitely will make make more discussion videos like this :D Hope you have a lovely week!

[@619to253]

This was an excellent video. Thank you for saying that fountain pen cost is relative to the buyer. That one sentence seems to be lost on people. Rachelle in Seattle

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you, Rachelle. I love that you emphasized this point - I have seen too many potentially hurtful comments towards others for the pens they choose to buy and it does not sit well with me. In a simple honest pen review I shared of one of my pens, someone commented that "it's great you got a free pen", probably because it is much less expensive than the more expensive pens I have been recently sharing/reviewing. I do not stand for bullying and mean judgments, so that person's comments are no longer welcomed as they have done it multiple times and I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt multiple times. It's sad when that fact (pen cost is relative to buyer) is lost on people who are just here to judge you. Thank you again for watching ♥ I appreciate you!

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

Thanks for your candor, Lao. Unfortunately, I thought my fountain pen exploration stopped at my gold nibbed Pilot Elite, but I made the terrible mistake of trying out a Sailor Profit Standard, and ended up loving the nib tuning. I think the saving grace of Sailors is that they’re basically two body styles replicated over and over again, so my anxious aversion toward owning redundant/overlapping items prevents me from collecting them obsessively. I’m learning to have what I want, and want what I have. I also deleted my social media accounts a couple of years ago, so I can limit my intake of FOMO-triggering content more effectively. Own your items, don’t let them own you.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you, Chi! I appreciate you sharing your own experiences related to the fountain pen rabbit hole and burnout. As small and niche this hobby is, it's very vast when you are in it - Pilot Elite definitely isn't the end-all-be-all of fountain pens, but that's what makes it a very fun and exciting hobby and writing lifestyle. I agree with you - Sailors are just the same pen in different colors! If you can see that just as it is, it's a lot easier to not collect so much. Pilot on the other hand, has tons of different styles of pens and nibs that it gets you to want to explore all of it. Glad you were able to manage your FOMO through choices that were healthy for you! I am glad you've still got tons of love and enthusiasm for your fountain pens :) I'm happy to be having these conversations over fountain pens with you!

[@krystlegoingplaces]

Thank you for talking about this! I watch a lot of pen and stationery content for work and constantly wish I had the funds for all the beautiful things. I do really love what I already have and I find so much joy in them. You have such a great mindset - we can't judge each other when seeing what other people have.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hey Krystle! Yeah - I also wish sometimes that I had the funds for so many other beautiful pens! But by slowing down - I can see that getting all those pens in the long run might not bring me the most joy, so I really appreciate what I have :D and continue to curate my collection! Very happy you mentioned points that stood out to you and resonated with you! I'm happy to have met you in person and I appreciate you!

[@LaRueNeilson]

I knew I liked you and now I know why!! I’m also a therapist and a fountain pen lover!! Thank you for your candor and vulnerability!! Very wise words!!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Awww 🥰 that’s amazing, a fellow Therapist!! Hi LaRue! I thought it was time I pointed some truths out - that’s what we are good at doing as therapists lol! Helping others see what they miss and become more self aware. I dislike the judgments that I’m seeing in comments towards content creators or other fellow pen enthusiasts and I don’t think that kind of energy is needed around the joys in fountain pens, whether this is a hobby, lifestyle or discipline. And thank you! Connecting with others on vulnerable and deep experiences are a very special extension of my joy in fountain pens - glad it came through! Hope you see more of you in my video comments! 🥰

[@loracharis6814]

Thanks for your words of wisdom about avoiding burnout in life. It’s a touchy topic for me as I am currently battling some major life changes and disappointments whilst enduring busy season at work. I haven’t felt burnout re my fountain pens as yet. I think that happens when you place unnecessary stress or conditions on the hobby. Time with my pens either journaling or other wise fiddling with nibs etc is supposed to be my relax time from an otherwise stressful life.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Yes! This exactly, Lora :) fountain pens, writing, scrapbook journaling - all of these are my pastime joys and they should be our relaxation time from our stressful lives. I strive to continue ensuring my fountain pens stay that way for me :) as they are one of the things that helped me get through my period of depression. I’m very sorry to hear you’re having a tough time right now with your work life balance. I pray and manifest for that you will get through this! Thank you for sharing with me and thank you for watching my video 🥰

[@newtowatercolor]

Of all the fountain pen channels, yours is the most "real" and pen joy focused. You know A LOT about pens and I love to learn from you about pens, nibs, grinds... I don't see fountain pens as a hobby, for me they are everyday writing tools. I learned to write with a fountain pen, it was required where I grew up. And to this day I prefer to write with a fountain pen. I am not even that ancient too 😂. Through watching stuff, learning and the desire to just try something different, I also got to a "burn out" phase if you will. Though I don't call it that. I simply call it getting over the idea that just because something is more expensive and just because others find something to be great, it doesn't mean it is great for me. I got one "expensive" (though nothing compared to the crazy money some folks on these channels here spend - my "expensive" pen was $200) and realized it's absolutely is not worth the money. Not one bit. It doesn't write any better than the few $30 pens from the same brands do, it is not made of any better materials (in my opinion, it feels like the same cheap plastic the others are made of, though it's said to be made of "resin" 🙄), it's more of a pain in the rear to clean... So that's how my love affair with expensive pens ended. Unless they are made of true precious metals, and I am not talking of just the nib, but the whole pen, which then I will definitely not be able to afford, I am not interested on spending more than $50 on a pen. End of story. My most favorite pen to write with is a $10 🤷‍♀. There is one very expensive pen that I want and will one day buy, but it's just this one specific pen brand that carries a sentimental value and I don't plan on getting it anytime soon because of it four figure price and because I have better things/experiences to spend money on. So I totally align with your stance on fountain pens. If someone loves them, can afford the expensive stuff - more power to them and I will be all happy for them and listen to them nerd out about it for hours. But I will not feel bad about my favorite cheap pen either 😁. I write with my pens every day and will always love writing with them.

[@KenchanKrafts]

This message is such a beautiful ball of sunshine ☀️ full of happy things. I feel the great energy and love you have for your fountain pens from this and thank you so much for everything said here. I am so happy to know you enjoy learning from my experiences in my videos and that you can feel my joy, too! I’m so curious what this 200 dollar pen was that didn’t meet your expectations or needs! I agree with the “resin” or “precious resin” term that is used, but that’s just the lingo that is used as fountain pens are deemed and perceived as luxury writing utensils. Resin is just plastic in the end XD I know that and I hope I’ve helped brought that to light in some of my videos for newbies so they know most pens are just plastic. It sucks though that that pen felt like the same quality as your cheaper pens, that’s always a bummer! Make the price make sense, pen makers! And is your sentimental brand Pelikan or Pilot/Namiki by any chance? I can only imagine a raden Pelikan or Namiki at that price point XD but I’m sure there are other brands with pens at the 4 digit price point that could be meaningful to you, too. This message really made my day and a great start to the week. I totally appreciate you!

[@Ursulas_Odds_and_Sods]

I really enjoy the vibe you put out in your videos. You always express such genuine gratitude and excitement for your pens, inks, and writing accessories. Like you said, it's about a journey and evaluating priorities at any given moment. Most people, unless they're millionaires, start out with budget pens and don't graduate to really expensive pens overnight (if ever). We also tend to appreciate what we have in any hobby or interest if we gradually acquire those items and slowly learn more and more over a long time, instead of buying dozens of items in a few months and spending eight hours a day researching that subject (as tempting as that can be!). I currently have 33 fountain pens (two of which are still unopened in a box), plus my dip pen and one pen I hope to be ordering very soon, and they each mean something to me, whether it's because I just liked the color/pattern, related to their symbolism, or got it for myself as a gift. It's the same way my stretched ears (now 14/15 mm) mean so much to me, since it took me several years and a lot of patience to get to this size. It'll take maybe five more to reach my dream goal of an inch, because I want to spend a year at each major size to just appreciate the experience of being there. Slow and steady wins the race with everything!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hi Ursula - Thank you so much for saying all that - truly makes me feel great about what I do! I agree with that fact that a lot of folks come into this hobby to add to their lifestyle and they stay in the lower end pens because that is all that they need in their life - and that's perfect. No one is expected to progress to any part of this hobby, so I love that everyone has different experiences and we can all share conversations around that. I was thinking about how I could have added more to the video - and I was like, "I should have mentioned that a fulfilling activity that makes you happy in life takes time and effort, like a committed marriage/relationship, so we can treat building our collection in a similar fashion for it to be the most fulfilling and meaningful to us". You captured that perfectly with your own long-term commitment to your stretched ears - that's super cool! I can't wait to see you unbox and share the new pens you have yet to unbox :)

[@nibtailor]

Thank you for sharing your experience and approach. (You already know my thoughts on this from our conversation.☺️) Please continue to take care Lao! 🧡

[@KenchanKrafts]

Aww, thanks JC! Yes, absolutely ♥Our thoughts are aligned. I will continue to keep pushing forward and continue making the best version of me with fountain pens as a great motivator and joy!

[@Instaraxx]

Thank you for this. As a lifelong yearner and over spender, your words are a wonderful reminder. ❤

[@KenchanKrafts]

You're very welcome, Rachael ♥ I'm happy to hear this was a good watch for you and a good reminder ^_^ It is definitely very important to slow down on our spending to really enjoy the important things for a long time (and that includes our Fountain Pens for sure!)

[@kathysmith8508]

I truly enjoyed your honest overview and the sentiments about your journey, as well as your respect for the fountain pen journey for others. I wasn't going to buy any pens in May (after I reflected like you on being more thoughtful overall about my life, FP journey and finances) and yet, my grail pen came up and I impulsively bought it before it disappeared. Although I don't totally regret it, it has made me anxious about the expense. Your video is a good reminder that others struggle with the same things and I can keep growing on my FP journey (even if I get off track at times).

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hi Kathy, thanks for sharing your recent big grail purchase! I know the feeling of regret that slowly dissipates after buying something super expensive. The only thing to remedy that is reminding yourself the importance of that purchase and how much meaning it has to you. So I am pretty sure that grail is very special and meaningful to you! Sometimes we make the impulse buy, other times, we don't, and it's ok! Just enjoy that pen to its fullest ♥Makes me happy to hear we both had similar struggles and thought processes throughout our buying and fountain pen journeys! ^_^ Hope you look forward to more discussion videos I have planned

[@FountainPenNews]

Thanks for your insights, Lao. As a person with ADHD, burnout is a very real possibility in many areas of my life. I have learned how to step back and make changes when I see signs of burnout coming in. I think self-awareness, honesty with ourselves, and self compassion are all critical parts of achieving and maintaining balance.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hey Wendi! I agree 100% with self-awareness, self-honesty, and self-compassion! Accepting all of that is the first hard step to slowing down, stepping aside, and making the changes that are genuine and positive for your life. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and personal experiences with us - they are so valuable!!

[@Journalesq]

great video as always. Lots of good thoughts to keep in mind as we navigate this “hobby” with the emphasis that this is a hobby and should be fun and enjoyable and not stressful or overwhelming. to remember you don’t have to keep up with the joneses but enjoy what you have and what you want to do. well done. thank you.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Haha! Yes we do not need to keep up with the Joneses! Their lives are not ours! Thank you for watching and leaving your lovely words! Whether this is a hobby or a writing lifestyle, it is and should be fun and enjoyable! And I intend to keep it that way! So happy to have you and this community to share this joy with!

[@kan-zee]

I have to travel ....to the streets, where I came from....this helps me refocus on my goals...reminding me of where I came from and where I don't need to be anymore... Fountain pens , are a tool , that reaffirms my journey forward.

[@KenchanKrafts]

♥Keep going! And always remember why you're where you are with these tools in your life so that you don't drift apart from the original intentions.

[@kan-zee]

@@KenchanKrafts Thank you for your service and supporting the clients with temporary problems , not permanent problems.

[@charis_explores]

This was a wonderful video. Thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@KenchanKrafts]

You're welcome, Charis! Thanks for watching ♥

[@Thingybob]

That's not a burnout. That's a heallthy natural progression when one focuses for a long time on something. It comes a moment in which you may have already achieved your goals, or in which your goals change. I enjoy very much seeing new pens, but let me tell you what I appreciate the most from your videos: it is your knowledge acquired with all the pens and inks you bought. Because I only have a few, I struggle to know which inks are wet, or dry, and how they behave in different pens. I'd love to see from you more videos about the most saturated ones and how they behave in different nibs, the ones with most sheen, or the shimmer ones by colours, or the dryiest ones, the wettest, the ones that fade after several months, the best cartridges, the best ink bottles....You are in a great position to help us with what you already have. Your passion, effort and dedication are your best assets. But above all, do what it makes you happy.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hey Toozlepops! (Love that name by the way 😆) so great to see you here again! You had previously commented on pen nib writing comparisons in my pilot video. I’m very glad you know that is very helpful to you and for others too, I’m sure! You did hit the bullseye there, I didn’t do a great job at explaining my small moment of burnout “thoughts” since I definitely did not experience any full blown burnout, but I wanted to touch on how I could see the signs of FP burnout (I had internal thoughts like “why am I dedicating so much effort into fountain pens, or, they’re so expensive, is this all worth it”) and avoided it altogether since I’ve experienced burnout in my own past with work. I reminded myself that I can slow down a bit with the buying and focus on other aspects of it after taking a small break from it (which was enjoying my time with family and loved ones and spending money on them). Thank you for telling me I’m on a healthy track in my fountain pen journey! I agree that I think I have a good positive hold of this part of my life and I really enjoy it! The part of me that loves helping people translates to the type of information I consistently add to my review videos - so I truly appreciate you for expressing what you’d like to see more from my channel! I can definitely do that since it’s what I have already started and will continue to do. Your last point is also very crucial and important! I don’t review pens I don’t want to buy - so you’ll only see pens I enjoy but I will definitely compare what I have to give everyone the best frame of reference for what they might like to get too. This helps me stay motivated and not enter burnout! Perhaps I would rename my video title lol but I do compare fountain pen burnout to non fountain pen burnouts so hopefully that has resonated with a lot of folks!

[@nicksg3002]

I loved the little one speaking all of a sudden in your video😂😂❤❤❤👼🍼

[@KenchanKrafts]

xD I thought some of you would appreciate me leaving that in there. Thank you for letting me know I did the right thing! ♥

[@pacools]

I would love to hear your views on current pricing. It would also like to hear your buying strategies on purchasing under full retail.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hi Pat, thanks so much for watching. I appreciate you sharing that you'd like to hear more about that - that's great motivator for me to get my thoughts together for a video for you guys! :) Please look forward to videos discussing both of those topics!

[@debbieg.177]

I just found your channel and I appreciate your honesty about job burnout, relationship issues and issues relating to the facets of fountain pen ownership. I am a retired social worker and know how exhausting it can be to always be giving your time and energy to help others. I find your candor extremely refreshing. Good for you for dealing with difficult issues in your life and sharing it here! I will continue to watch your channel. I am in the fountain pen 'rabbit hole' currently but am climbing out of it and taking back my control. Thank you for this great video!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hi Debbie - Welcome to my channel! So happy to have you here. The fountain pen rabbit hole is a slippery slope but I'm glad to hear you're hitting the breaks and taking back control! It's the most enjoyable when it meets our needs and does its purpose without being more than that! I hope you enjoy my videos as well as future videos I'll be making! It's great to connect with others through videos like this and just more simpler videos reviewing the pens I love/have. With regards to service to people - It's so lovely to hear you've been in a similar field of profession - it's very fulfilling to help people but it can become very overwhelming at times. So I am super thankful I have my Fountain Pens and this channel on the side as a positive space to destress when necessary! Thank you for watching♥

[@lalunebunny]

Thank you for this very insightful video! 💖

[@KenchanKrafts]

You’re welcome, Lalune! Thank you for listening and watching it 🥰

[@julia-here]

I love every second of this. The comparison trap is so true with all the things (not just pens); you never know peoples' life situation, the whole story. The judgement of it all was right on point too. Thanks so much for weighing in on all of this. Loved hearing your perspective. (and i'm right there with you - I like my $$$ pens but I AM CHEAP. and probably got it at a stupid deal 🤣)

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thanks, Julia!! It's so true - we compare ourselves with others around a lot of things and we just naturally do it when we get into this hobby! As for judgment -- I have seen too many potentially hurtful comments towards others for the pens they choose to buy and it does not sit well with me. People need to keep those judgmental energy to themselves and let others love what they love! XD I will point out a fool/troll when you take things too far! LOL AND GIRL YES! I am CHEAP, too! XD We deserve pens at the best prices lol!! :)

[@ed3432]

Great takes. It’s basically about money. Fountain pens are extremely expensive and going down that rabbit hole can break you. Difference between a Montblanc and a Pilot G-2 is basically hype and marketing. The Pilot is basically a better writer and you’ll never have buyers remorse. If you have excess income pen collecting is a great hobby. 👈

[@KenchanKrafts]

xD Yes indeed! The marketing that goes into these pens to entice people's psyche to buy them is definitely over the top. It can become a spiraling hobby that is just for the rich and well-off, or put you in debt if you're not careful. Otherwise, I believe any person of any level of financial status can enjoy fountain pens to the fullest as long as they are being intentional and focused on the joyful parts of it. I have not ventured into wanting Montblancs and I think that is a great thing since my perspective towards them are that it is overhyped branding and status - which are not the reasons I want to own pens. If I love the writing experience and feel of a Montblanc in my hand, I'll only have one anyways.

[@cerealnana]

Great video! You hit on all the points. I admit I sometimes envy other people's ability to acquire gorgeous fountain pens, but I'm able to quickly convert that to happiness for them. I have decided I'm more of a second-hand pen girl unless it is an indie maker pen. I like the treasure hunt. I am also trying to buy pens that are more my style than being influenced by others who have a totally different aesthetic. The journey has been interesting.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you, Shauna! I started off envying others as well, but I'm at a point where I can slow down that kind of thinking whenever I see someone's posts on IG or their YT video sharing their beautiful pen that I might not have the funds for during that moment. It's definitely more fulfilling and special to choose pens that fit your aesthetic :)

[@darlamaple6319]

Thank you Lao for another wonderful video. I'm at the beginning of my fountain pen journey, so can't imagine fountain pen burnout. I enjoy listening to you cover these important topics. Thank you again!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hi Darla, thank you for watching as always! ^_^ Makes me so happy that you enjoyed this video. I'm very grateful that my experiences of fountain pen burnout are not so severe - I am still so very happy and because I've had many worse struggles in my recent past that I was able to trudge through negative thoughts about my fountain pen journey when those burnout moments seeped in. I hope you never have to experience it because fountain pens are a delightful joy!!

[@journalwithtiff7221]

Perfectly stated. I think you hit all the appropriate points. No judgement at all no matter the number of pens, style or price point.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thanks, Tiff! No judgement, only love and celebration for each other’s joy in their pens! There’s so many flavors for all of us and that’s part of the beauty of the fountain pen hobby and community.

[@JM-zq8rm]

Thanks for a thoughtful presentation. To me, these are spiritual issues. Writing with fountain pens slows me down, and I am more deliberate when I write with them. There is a beauty in the pen, the ink and the paper, and in my expressed thoughts. Acquiring pens and inks and papers, can be thoughtful and deliberate and their acquisition helps me to express myself. But there is a danger. If I yield to temptations of consumerism, unreflective accumulation or buying in order to fit in with some marketer or influencer’s ideas and not my own, then I’ve betrayed myself. In that situation, I’ve become just another buyer, and I’ve invested in things, rather than in myself. It is easy to fall in to this trap, where too much is never enough, where I get my sense of self worth from the things I have, and where I judge myself by the standards of others (even people I’ve never met). And of course, all this must be balanced with everything and everyone else in my life.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Hi JM! I completely resonate with you about this being spiritual! While it is a hobby, journaling and reflecting through use of fountain pens was one of the biggest reason I overcame my struggles and depression. I find that having a strong bond and connection to my pens is what keeps me grounded to loving them and only choosing to get things I know I would have that connection with. All my pens are utilitarian but each one has a special spiritual meaning behind them for me. So when I’m not sitting down to write with them and slowing down, then I’m susceptible to the materialistic side of this hobby and it becomes less fulfilling if that’s all it is. So I have worked my way and feel happy with the choices I’ve made to feel a meaningful connection to my pens and enjoy the time I spend on myself when I’m using them. I definitely feel it’s really important to choose pens that are truly the ones for you and not just to be like others. Thank you so much for bringing up the spirituality of fountain pens and balance that’s needed to avoid being a puppet of consumerism ^_^ that’s really great! 😊 ❤️

[@metalmethodist]

All the best to you all for sharing hospitality and new home.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thank you! ♥ Family is everything :)

[@oldladywcamera]

Enjoyed this very much. Yes, I'm judgmental, and you pointing out makes me realize that I need to work on that. Looking forward to seeing you in person at SF.

[@KenchanKrafts]

xD Oh Pam - It's ok! We all judge at some point in our lives and the best we can do for each other is to be self-aware and respectful to each other! :D And you have always been respectful with what you say, so I appreciate you for that! Look forward to seeing you again in SF! I would love to test all your favorite pens and inks - so be sure to bring them!

[@oldladywcamera]

Vice versa. Would love to try your pens. Counting days til SF show!

[@Tom-R805]

I also find fulfillment and joy in fountain pens. Thank you for your insightful thoughts discussing this topic in our community.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thanks, Tom! So good to see your comment on here! XD Always makes me happy when I see your tags on IG and I'm glad this video resonates with you. Fountain pens were one of the things that helped get me out of my depression and rut, so I continue to appreciate and enjoy this hobby the way it makes me the most happy! My burnout is not as severe as others (like pen boy roy), and I will continue to just get pens I enjoy (I.E. I won't buy pens I don't care for just to review for views xD)

[@jamesaritchie1]

I almost never get on social media at all. I buy what I like, what I want, an din life what we WANT is every bit as important as what we need. I've had hundreds of fountain pens, though not by intent, and I sold them all, bought almost as many, and finally settled on twelve pens I love. Those twelve pens cost a total of almost $35,000 dollars. But I also enjoy cheap pens, I just don't count them as part of my collection. I love TWSBI pens, for example, and after seventy years of living, I've learned that frugality is the enemy of a happy life. EVERY pen is worth whatever it costs. Everything in this life is worth whatever it costs. Trying to get things cheaper is fine, if the price is legitimately lowered as in a sale, but thinking a pen, or anything else, isn;'t worth the price on it is NOT being frugal, it is being cheap, and that is a destructive way to live life. If t you can't afford something, fine, but don't ever use the excuse that it isn't worth the price. Of course, it's worth the price. Not being able to afford it has no bearing on its worth. What far too many people simply don't know how to do is SAVE MONEY. Saving money to buy something expensive that you want is pain free, if done right. That pen, or new car, or gold-plated set of golf clubs doesn't have to be bought today, or next month, or even next year. But if it's something ewe really, really want it SHOULD be bought, even if it takes five years to save the money.

[@kellyandthehorses2877]

No need to edit out your family. Its so sweet youre able to be all together for a time:)

[@KenchanKrafts]

It was very wonderful! I know we all love our own space sometimes and it probably was crowded for a bit but I do miss their company now that they’ve found a wonderful place for themselves. Watching their two kiddos was a wonderful blessed time!

[@mellow-jello]

Sum up, you do you, don't obsess, dollars bears nothing on your pen joy, and be kind to yourself.

[@KenchanKrafts]

I love that!! That hits all the discussion points! Thanks for watching JLo

[@rgcainmd]

Words of wisdom. Thank you.

[@KenchanKrafts]

Thanks CainMD - I appreciate you.

[@pacpac1997]

Burnout is so real! It sucks when your hobbies no longer bring you joy even though you put so much time and effort into it 😢❤

[@joistevens4454]

I found sometimes you can find the joy in it again after you put it down for a while for a season. I know that is true with me and music and even my planner hobby. Now I’m fully enjoying it again but with a new outlook on how not to go overboard!

[@KenchanKrafts]

It does suck when your hobbies become a problem for you. It's supposed to be one of your favorite things to do in life ^_^ but thankfully, I have not thrown down the towel. There was a moment of weakness where I thought to myself, "Why am I even collecting fountain pens? They're so expensive...there are more important things in life" and then I realized, I just needed to slow down because I love what I have collected - they bring me joy - and there's a strong reason I picked this hobby as one of my happy place. So I am still loving and enjoying! I got through those small thoughts and feelings! :) Thanks for watching, boo! ♥

[@KenchanKrafts]

​@@joistevens4454 That's awesome Joi! It's always very very healthy to take a break from things and come back to it when you're in a better headspace. This is so true for relationships, your job, etc. and just as much true for our hobbies. I'm glad you came back with a new and great outlook to fully enjoy your hobby and interests! Thanks for sharing and watching ♥

[@artemisceleste]

I started getting a little burnout or overwhelm when I had too many pens that I wasn’t using for my journaling. I decided to try to learn how to draw and sketch with my pens-inspired by the beautiful fountain pen art by @Karynalovestoplan.

[@KenchanKrafts]

YES!!! Karyna sharing those Zentangle art was such a fun and creative way to use up our inks and enjoy our pens. So great that you found those helpful to get you through your burnout. Let's continue to enjoy, appreciate, and use our lovely fountain pens!! ♥Thanks so much for watching :)