I did manage to do my morning pages every day this week, and today marked 50 days straight. I’ve been letting everything out in those pages, whether two or three. Whatever arrives when I set pen to paper receives the space it begs for. I feel heard, even if it’s only being acknowledged by myself.
Haven’t completed all the tasks. I’m always on the lookout for rocks so as I walk this week I’ll see what I find. The wild crocus just began to bloom, and the aspen trees are ready to open. I didn’t get rid of 5 ratty pieces of clothing, but did get rid of some things in general around the place I didn’t need. This week of rest I will get some cards to friends, and I’m counting the birthday cards I’ve sent and am sending. This week I want to vision board because I just haven’t gotten around to it. And since I don’t have to read another chapter, I want to read through all of Clare’s posts for The Artist’s Way and the comments.
I had a hard time digging into the money exercises that asked what I wanted. Everything felt superficial; I felt put on the spot, my mind was blank, and I squirmed. I just couldn't seem to let myself play with the concept of anything significant instead of hollow. This morning, as I was sitting after meditation, I felt like something suddenly clicked in my mind, my imagination was unleashed, wild and alive with dreamy possibilities.
Yes, I did have an Artist Date. My Artist Date this week was even better than expected. I signed up for a short free writing workshop. Given the duration and price, I didn’t expect a lot, but it was fantastic. I had fun, felt validated and learned a lot about something I’ve struggled with, at least in my own mind. After the event, I felt empowered and confident, and later I tingled, feeling the motivation seep in.
I believe it did have a little synchronicity this week. I was visiting my 98-year-old dad at his care home and noticed his razor wasn’t working properly. I expected to have to replace it. Before I did that, a conversation with my son resulted in him delivering an almost-new shaver to my dad when he visited. My husband looked at the broken shaver I was about to throw out and, after a few minutes of tinkering, had the problem fully resolved. My son told his grandpa to keep the shaver, and his grandpa told me to keep his. What neither knew was that I’d been considering getting a shaver myself.
Morning pages helped me tease something else out this week as I wrote about my writing block and how I’m feeling about The Artist’s Way. It was like the pages tapped me on the shoulder and softly crooned in my ear, “But darling, didn’t you notice? You are writing again. Silly girl.” It was like a lens zoomed in, and what had been blurred was suddenly crystal clear. In the past seven weeks, I have been writing. I’ve written fifty days of morning pages. I’ve composed and shared my thoughts and ideas each week with strangers, who are also travelling The Artist’s Way, about the journey to unblock my creativity. While none of this is groundbreaking or earth-shaking writing that will change the world, it is changing me. I’m putting words and thoughts together. I’m giving them space to exist. Right now, that writing counts. It’s healing me.
I am doing the morning pages without fail and artist’s dates tend to be my usual walk around my charming old Badalona/Barcelona neighborhood but each week I notice new things. I’ve not yet done any exercises. Still not sure why but just not calling to me as much as other writing/exploration I am doing in other parts of my creative life. Looking forward to a rest week, to keep mulling over how I can live with a sense of abundance in more than the money sense.
Sometimes that tasks don't speak to us, and that's OK. I'm also looking forward to mulling over these ideas during our rest/integration week. In a lot of ways, that feels more valuble to me than ticking a few tasks off the list. I hope you enjoy it too, Amy 💕
I’ve been quietly following your work for a while, and I wanted to say thank you. Your tone and presence feel like safety on the page.
I’m writing a literary trilogy about quiet transformation — the kind that happens when someone finally feels seen. If it resonates, I’d love to share a short reflection or excerpt with you. No pressure at all.
I’ve been thinking about our brief exchange — thank you again for your presence.
I recently published the first six chapters of my literary trilogy Emma & Charlize on Substack. It’s a quiet story about recognition, agency, and the kind of transformation that doesn’t shout. If any of that resonates, I’d be honored to share the link. No pressure at all — just wanted to offer it gently.
I've slipped over the course of the last 2 weeks- I had a big trip/workshop last week, and while I managed to do my morning pages for most days, I think I skipped it only three times in 13 days. Now I'm back home and in bed with flu and am really struggling with doing the tasks and today i didn't write. Also, I have not read the chapter 6 yet....
On an upside, I had a couple of nice artist's date moments during my two days in Barcelona, on where I took myself out for a glass of vermut and drew the people sitting in the cafe. I may post with the images.
Rest up Liza. Taking care of yourself is always the first priority. Next week, we have a rest/integration week so you'll have a chance to catch up if you'd like too.
Congrats on skipping with your Morning Pages. I hope they've been a support to you through this busy period. 💕
Oof, the money tasks were not easy. As expected, it brought up a lot of anxiety and emotion to complete the 'Money Madness' exercise from this chapter. I was struck by how child-like and panicky my financial worries are. I suppose that's unsurprising. These issues began for me during childhood and spiralled after my mother died. She was the centre of our family, and also our only source of income. Her death was such a devastating loss, and I'm still unfurling the deep wounds it left when it comes to my attitude to abundance and money. It was a tough task this week, and I needed a lot of self-care afterwards but I'm glad I did it. Hopefully it got me a little closer to wriggling free from (some of) my fears.
I'm planning to make my vision board this weekend, which I'm looking forward to. I was open to accepting freebies in life, though none came along this week. 🙃 I also intended to clean out my office which I, eh, just didn't do. I could do it at the weekend.. but no, I don't want to. I want to enjoy some much needed time off instead. In this moment, I think that's the deeper needed.
Hi, all. Belated Easter/spring greetings, hoping the few days were restful. That persistent feeling that I'm always all behind not so much as in the cow's tail but playing catch up - am hoping that will ease soon. This week was an illuminating week, albeit a mixed bag. I had a day where I didn't get to my morning pages until later and it felt as if it had me through me a loop, and I didn't get to all of the tasks and I think because I couldn't do it all, and maybe do it all 'perfectly', critical voices crept in but I am aware that some of the latter was/is inspired by a resident 'crazymaker' etc etc and so it was an illuminating week in the sense of the impact that crazymakers had/have and energy involved in cleaning up their mess(es). That I'm a little more self-possessed and less focussed on the needs of others is indeed a point of progress, and I'm glad of it. I didn't get much time for the artist's date but did make an effort last night once I had the house again to myself, and I think I'm understanding better the sacred side of doing such things and how they do very much feed me and care for me in a way I'd never have taken seriously before. I feel a bit prehistoric for that, but I can't imagine I'm alone in that. All to say, I hope to bring the latter sentiment forward into this week and see what it might bring. I don't know how I feel about (still) using words like crazymaker, but it felt like a big fire in my face this week followed by a wet blanket followed by all the energy of the clean-up - and the my road for any of that nonsense is getting insanely short. A confusion of feeling sometimes because it's that wave of sad & angry, at self and said crazymaker. Anyway, I feel as if I've polluted the comments with use of that word! Not intended. Because of the week that was in it, I really tried to lean toward the kinder side of things and go easy on myself and I'm attributing that to the morning & evening pages, the deeper listening to myself and paying heed to that, trusting my perceptions. Not sure how to say that the integrity of it all fits far better than when I briefly reflect on the first few weeks. I am looking forward to the next week. Thinking of everyone and hoping all are well. Goodnesses. Michelle
Hi Everyone,
I did manage to do my morning pages every day this week, and today marked 50 days straight. I’ve been letting everything out in those pages, whether two or three. Whatever arrives when I set pen to paper receives the space it begs for. I feel heard, even if it’s only being acknowledged by myself.
Haven’t completed all the tasks. I’m always on the lookout for rocks so as I walk this week I’ll see what I find. The wild crocus just began to bloom, and the aspen trees are ready to open. I didn’t get rid of 5 ratty pieces of clothing, but did get rid of some things in general around the place I didn’t need. This week of rest I will get some cards to friends, and I’m counting the birthday cards I’ve sent and am sending. This week I want to vision board because I just haven’t gotten around to it. And since I don’t have to read another chapter, I want to read through all of Clare’s posts for The Artist’s Way and the comments.
I had a hard time digging into the money exercises that asked what I wanted. Everything felt superficial; I felt put on the spot, my mind was blank, and I squirmed. I just couldn't seem to let myself play with the concept of anything significant instead of hollow. This morning, as I was sitting after meditation, I felt like something suddenly clicked in my mind, my imagination was unleashed, wild and alive with dreamy possibilities.
Yes, I did have an Artist Date. My Artist Date this week was even better than expected. I signed up for a short free writing workshop. Given the duration and price, I didn’t expect a lot, but it was fantastic. I had fun, felt validated and learned a lot about something I’ve struggled with, at least in my own mind. After the event, I felt empowered and confident, and later I tingled, feeling the motivation seep in.
I believe it did have a little synchronicity this week. I was visiting my 98-year-old dad at his care home and noticed his razor wasn’t working properly. I expected to have to replace it. Before I did that, a conversation with my son resulted in him delivering an almost-new shaver to my dad when he visited. My husband looked at the broken shaver I was about to throw out and, after a few minutes of tinkering, had the problem fully resolved. My son told his grandpa to keep the shaver, and his grandpa told me to keep his. What neither knew was that I’d been considering getting a shaver myself.
Morning pages helped me tease something else out this week as I wrote about my writing block and how I’m feeling about The Artist’s Way. It was like the pages tapped me on the shoulder and softly crooned in my ear, “But darling, didn’t you notice? You are writing again. Silly girl.” It was like a lens zoomed in, and what had been blurred was suddenly crystal clear. In the past seven weeks, I have been writing. I’ve written fifty days of morning pages. I’ve composed and shared my thoughts and ideas each week with strangers, who are also travelling The Artist’s Way, about the journey to unblock my creativity. While none of this is groundbreaking or earth-shaking writing that will change the world, it is changing me. I’m putting words and thoughts together. I’m giving them space to exist. Right now, that writing counts. It’s healing me.
Happy rest week to everyone here.
I'm late to this comment Jewel (apologies!), but wanted to cheer for your 50 day streak of Morning Pages. What an incredible achievement 💕
I loved the intergenerational story about the shaver too. It's such an intimate tool, and a beautiful example of synchronicity.
I am doing the morning pages without fail and artist’s dates tend to be my usual walk around my charming old Badalona/Barcelona neighborhood but each week I notice new things. I’ve not yet done any exercises. Still not sure why but just not calling to me as much as other writing/exploration I am doing in other parts of my creative life. Looking forward to a rest week, to keep mulling over how I can live with a sense of abundance in more than the money sense.
Sometimes that tasks don't speak to us, and that's OK. I'm also looking forward to mulling over these ideas during our rest/integration week. In a lot of ways, that feels more valuble to me than ticking a few tasks off the list. I hope you enjoy it too, Amy 💕
Hi Clare,
I’ve been quietly following your work for a while, and I wanted to say thank you. Your tone and presence feel like safety on the page.
I’m writing a literary trilogy about quiet transformation — the kind that happens when someone finally feels seen. If it resonates, I’d love to share a short reflection or excerpt with you. No pressure at all.
With warmth,
Thomas
thomasgtzsche.substack.com
Thank you Thomas. I really appreciate your kind words 🙏
Hi Clare,
I’ve been thinking about our brief exchange — thank you again for your presence.
I recently published the first six chapters of my literary trilogy Emma & Charlize on Substack. It’s a quiet story about recognition, agency, and the kind of transformation that doesn’t shout. If any of that resonates, I’d be honored to share the link. No pressure at all — just wanted to offer it gently.
Warmly,
Thomas
thomasgtzsche.substack.com
I've slipped over the course of the last 2 weeks- I had a big trip/workshop last week, and while I managed to do my morning pages for most days, I think I skipped it only three times in 13 days. Now I'm back home and in bed with flu and am really struggling with doing the tasks and today i didn't write. Also, I have not read the chapter 6 yet....
On an upside, I had a couple of nice artist's date moments during my two days in Barcelona, on where I took myself out for a glass of vermut and drew the people sitting in the cafe. I may post with the images.
Rest up Liza. Taking care of yourself is always the first priority. Next week, we have a rest/integration week so you'll have a chance to catch up if you'd like too.
Congrats on skipping with your Morning Pages. I hope they've been a support to you through this busy period. 💕
Oof, the money tasks were not easy. As expected, it brought up a lot of anxiety and emotion to complete the 'Money Madness' exercise from this chapter. I was struck by how child-like and panicky my financial worries are. I suppose that's unsurprising. These issues began for me during childhood and spiralled after my mother died. She was the centre of our family, and also our only source of income. Her death was such a devastating loss, and I'm still unfurling the deep wounds it left when it comes to my attitude to abundance and money. It was a tough task this week, and I needed a lot of self-care afterwards but I'm glad I did it. Hopefully it got me a little closer to wriggling free from (some of) my fears.
I'm planning to make my vision board this weekend, which I'm looking forward to. I was open to accepting freebies in life, though none came along this week. 🙃 I also intended to clean out my office which I, eh, just didn't do. I could do it at the weekend.. but no, I don't want to. I want to enjoy some much needed time off instead. In this moment, I think that's the deeper needed.
Curious to hear how y'all got on as well..
Hi, all. Belated Easter/spring greetings, hoping the few days were restful. That persistent feeling that I'm always all behind not so much as in the cow's tail but playing catch up - am hoping that will ease soon. This week was an illuminating week, albeit a mixed bag. I had a day where I didn't get to my morning pages until later and it felt as if it had me through me a loop, and I didn't get to all of the tasks and I think because I couldn't do it all, and maybe do it all 'perfectly', critical voices crept in but I am aware that some of the latter was/is inspired by a resident 'crazymaker' etc etc and so it was an illuminating week in the sense of the impact that crazymakers had/have and energy involved in cleaning up their mess(es). That I'm a little more self-possessed and less focussed on the needs of others is indeed a point of progress, and I'm glad of it. I didn't get much time for the artist's date but did make an effort last night once I had the house again to myself, and I think I'm understanding better the sacred side of doing such things and how they do very much feed me and care for me in a way I'd never have taken seriously before. I feel a bit prehistoric for that, but I can't imagine I'm alone in that. All to say, I hope to bring the latter sentiment forward into this week and see what it might bring. I don't know how I feel about (still) using words like crazymaker, but it felt like a big fire in my face this week followed by a wet blanket followed by all the energy of the clean-up - and the my road for any of that nonsense is getting insanely short. A confusion of feeling sometimes because it's that wave of sad & angry, at self and said crazymaker. Anyway, I feel as if I've polluted the comments with use of that word! Not intended. Because of the week that was in it, I really tried to lean toward the kinder side of things and go easy on myself and I'm attributing that to the morning & evening pages, the deeper listening to myself and paying heed to that, trusting my perceptions. Not sure how to say that the integrity of it all fits far better than when I briefly reflect on the first few weeks. I am looking forward to the next week. Thinking of everyone and hoping all are well. Goodnesses. Michelle