Before moving to London last year I was all sorts of crazy. Not crazy crazy but there was A LOT going on between leaving my job, packing, and saying goodbyes. I didn’t know what I was going to do professionaly but I knew that I wanted to put my creativity to use outside of a nine to five job. Looking for some inspiration and direction I borrowed a copy of The Artist’s Way from a friend and began my own little quest for living a more creative life. I didn’t get to finish the book before moving but I did take one major thing from it: morning pages. Morning pages is the exercise of taking time every morning to put pen to paper for three entire pages. You can write more but you cannot write any less. It’s your brain drain space to write whatever is on your mind be it dreams from the night before, the day’s to-do lists, life goals, worries, troubles, anything! And if you’re drawing a blank and have nothing to write, well then you literally write “I have nothing to write” and after a few sentences of that your mind will wander onto something else and voila – you’ll have something to write.
I’ve been amazed at how natural and motivating the exercise can feel. Even when I wake up on the wrong side of the bed and feel like it’s going to be one of those days, all I have to do is write exactly that and respond to myself “snap out of it Ana Maria! ” and you know what, I totally do. Creatively I start to draft “aha” moments without even realizing it. It’s the best type of brainstorming because you give yourself permission to just sit and write whatever you want without any other motive. Kind of like those shower moments – just you and your thoughts, sans the soap.
Writing my morning pages is what led to opening The Pond Market, deciding to pursue graphic design and photography as freelance careers, and they have genuinely helped me adjust to two new homes. It’s healthy to get things out, get them sorted, and for me, writing is the easiest way of doing that. No one but me sees the contents inside and I look forward to my one-on-one time in the mornings. If I skip a morning or two I definitely miss them but I know that they’re there for me when I’m ready. It’s a grown up version of “Dear Diary” but whereas before I was gossiping about my 4th grade crush Francis (he had the coolest hair) I am now sharing my thoughts in order to live my best life every day, in every little way that I can. Living with intention and action – that’s the goal and morning pages are my way of making it happen. I’m completely in love with my latest notebook titled ”Lucky Notes”. I bought it at a local stationary shop and it’s too too perfect for the purpose. Have any of you read The Artist’s Way or practice something similar to get your thoughts sorted?
Ana Maria this sounds like a wonderful idea and I shall be following in your footsteps. I am a graphic designer too and I have such a busy day every day, I’m often at my desk working by 8am, however, I think the idea of taking some time each morning to write down your thoughts can be a great start to the day. I am going to give it a try! I’ve just completed Holly Becker’s Blogging Your Way e-class and that has really opened up my mind and got my creative thoughts flowing.
Sounds like you’ve got a big creative buzz going on! It’s definitely worth waking up an extra half hour early to do. sounds painful but you’ll look forward to it once you get going.
I looked for the Artist’s Way but there are a number of books. Which one did you read.
I’m about to move abroad for work after living in the same town for 25 years of my adult life. Any tips on what to leave at home in storage and what to ship over to make your new place feel really like home.
Ignore my comment. Seen the link higher up the page!
Hi Caroline – saw your update that you found it. Will email you re: the big move!
Such a great idea, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. A touching and inspiring post for sure.
thanks, will! gotta keep those creative juices flowing.
I have been getting back into morning pages! Makes such a difference in how the day pans out.
totally does – glad you’ve gotten back on track!
This is so great Ana, thanks for sharing. Struggling with focus at the moment but itching to get back to some creative projects I’ve started, I’ll certainly be giving this a go. :)
It’s definitely a great way to start figuring out what works for you (and what inspires you). Happy reading and writing!
I’ve not read the book, but I know of a similar exercise where you free write for 10 minutes. Your pen isn’t supposed to leave the page, you’re not supposed to pre-plan what you’re going to write, and ANY thought you have should be written down. It can be really hard! But you’re right, sometimes just writing, “I have nothing to write” can help. I did it in a class setting and felt self-conscious about not having anything to write, even though no one could tell because I was still writing something. I was supposed to practice the exercise outside of class and never did, but this post may convince me to give it another go!
yep – that’s basically it only these are done first thing in the morning before you can let anything else influence you. totally fresh. worth giving another try in the comfort of your own home!
This is such a cool idea and I will definitely start to do it, but before then, I will include it in my own blog and link back
awesome – thank you Em!
You’re welcome! Here’s the link to the post http://emcards-em.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/morning-pages.html
Dang, I just may have to do this. I used to write in a journal ALL the time when I was younger, and to be honest, I kinda miss just writing whatever the heck is on my mind.
An inspiring post for sure!
Thanks, Lisa! It’s good to get it all out
Oh man. I’ve been through The Artist’s Way several times but Morning Pages just weren’t a habit I could stick with. 90% of the time my pages were only about how much I hated writing morning pages. I haven’t done the book in several years – maybe it’s time to try again?
Are you enjoying the rest of the book?
I picked up the Artist’s Way a couple of years ago but I don’t think I was in the right mental space for it. But now as I hear what it’s done for you I’m truly inspired to give it a try – the Morning Pages that is. I know it couldn’t hurt, right? :) And it’s the perfect excuse to acquire a beautiful little journal.
Thank you for sharing this, Ana!
xo
cortnie
definitely a good excuse to visit your favorite stationary shop soon! Can’t hurt at all.
The technique of just writing anything was recommended by a friend several years ago when I’d been unable to start writing. She suggested I started with a narrative of everything I’d done that day and had yet to do. It worked and enabled me to complete and submit my PhD on time. My PhD advisor at the time, once told me that ‘if you want to be a writer then you have to just write, pretty much anything and do it first thing in a morning’. (Not sure my dog would agree – she thinks he should be walked first!)
Consistent advice then. Thank you for the reminder to get back to morning pages. Have a great weekend.
Great advice. Glad I could serve as a nice little reminder!