“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once you grow up.” - Pablo Picasso

Perfectionism kept me from experiencing the fun and joy of creativity for way too long. Even though I yearned for a creative outlet, envied the creative people in my life, and even had secret aspirations of becoming a writer, fear of not being good enough kept me from picking up a brush or pen. What if I can’t? What if I have nothing to say?

Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way helped free me from that fear. 

Equal parts journaling, meditation, and affirmation practice, Julia’s recommended Morning Pages has become a daily habit that has transformed my life. And I don’t say that lightly. Every morning for over four years, I fill three notebook pages with whatever comes to mind. No thinking, no re-reading, no sharing with others. Stream of consciousness writing for three pages. Just write. 

As simple as the practice sounds, the self-awareness that comes from it is profound. You will begin to notice themes. You will bore yourself with repetitive topics. You will amuse yourself with absurdity. You will become very familiar with how your mind likes to spend its time. And if you keep writing through all of that, there’s a good chance you will walk away with insight, sometimes even brilliant insight, you didn’t have before. 

Morning Pages helps clear my mind of the noise that keeps me too busy, distracted, and anxious. In this way, it’s like meditation. Clear out the clutter, and creativity fills up the space.

There is so much more in this must-read book, including guided visioning exercises, suggestions for how to protect creative time, and encouragement for how to step into your artistic identity. 

The Artist’s Way reminds us you don’t need to be Picasso to be an artist. You just have to start.

<< Return to Recommended Reading