If you read last week’s post, you may have noticed the following question in the three-question prompt wasn’t included in my explanation about no longer being a useful prompt.
What are you looking forward to today? Why?
There is a reason I didn’t discuss it.
I continue to journal about what I’m looking forward to with my practice of “morning pages.”
You may know morning pages from Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. If you are unfamiliar with them, simply put, they are three pages of your stream-of-consciousness journaling first thing in the morning.
The Artist’s Way outlines twelve weeks of activities to reclaim (or find) your creative spirit. I was determined to follow Cameron’s guidance.
Morning pages sounded difficult at first. Three pages?! For three months?! I had my doubts.
I took on the challenge and journaled morning pages. I continue the practice of morning page 18 months later.** I have no plan to stop. It turns out that there is some sort of magic in the process. With them lie dreams, wishes, ideas, and solutions (large and small).
That is where you will find what I look forward to each day. I usually start with that and then let my thoughts flow.
Writing what I’m looking forward to puts a positive spin on the beginning of my day. It will do the same for you.
If you want to know more about morning pages, I encourage you to read The Artist’s Way. Don’t be fooled by its title. It’s not just for artists. We are all creative in some way, The book is for anyone who wants to have a better understanding of themselves. My advice is to read the book, follow the activities that speak to you, and, of course, journal morning pages.
**Now my morning pages range from two to three pages each day.
If you journal, try this prompt:
What book has helped you change your life? What words would you use to recommend it to a friend?
I would love to hear from you. Do you write morning pages? What’s your experience been like? Leave a comment, and let’s start a conversation.
Thank you for reading.
Until next time,
✍️ Susan
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Items of interest:
📸I love adding a visual interest to my journal. The same is true for my newsletters. Each week will feature a picture I have taken corresponding with the month the edition is published unless otherwise noted. I’ve taken daily pictures since 2020. I have many to share!
📰From The Pen’s Nib is my second newsletter. My first, Pen to Paper, is about gratitude and the good in life. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. It may be for you.
I did morning pages for a while years ago but found that I was dredging up negative stuff all the time so I gave it up. I didn't see any value in 3 pages of negativity. Maybe I should have used prompts. Maybe I should try it again.