Why I Started Journaling: Discovering Julia Cameron’s The Artist's Way
And why this daily practice has greatly influenced my life
There was a time when I felt very stuck—creatively, emotionally, and even spiritually. I was newly postpartum with our third baby and I craved clarity and direction, but my thoughts and life felt like a tangled mess. I had purchased Julia Cameron’s The Artist's Way for myself and it had been collecting dust on my desk. For some reason, one quiet Sunday morning in December, on a whim, I decided to tear off the cellophane wrapping and began to dive into her work. This transformative guide not only introduced me to the practice of journaling, but also opened up a whole new world of self-discovery and creativity.
The Call to Creativity
Cameron emphasizes the importance of nurturing our creative selves. As I began my journey through The Artist's Way, I realized that creativity isn’t just about artistic expression- creating “art” itself; it’s about how we approach life itself. I felt a longing to tap into that creative energy, to reclaim the joy and spontaneity that had felt lost or tied to subjective art. I started viewing myself and creativity through a different lens, one that embraced simple practices and joys during my day: pushing my children on the swings, a cup of coffee in the morning, or a stroll through Barnes and Noble gaining inspiration.
Morning Pages: The Heart of the Practice
One of the most important components of Cameron’s method is the concept of “Morning Pages.” The idea is simple: each morning, you write three pages of stream-of-consciousness thoughts. There’s no need for perfection, full sentences or publishing-worthy content. This new practice became a lifeline for me. It became an intentional way to clear my mind, let go of distractions, and process the thoughts that cloud my head.
The Importance of Morning Pages:
Unfiltered Expression: Morning Pages allowed me to express my thoughts without judgment. There was no need to be coherent or polished—just raw, whatever-comes-to-mind, honest writing. This unfiltered expression freed me from the pressure of perfection, which is something I struggle with in many areas of my life- and let my thoughts flow naturally.
Clearing Mental Clutter: As I wrote, I noticed how quickly my mind became cluttered with worries, doubts, and distractions. By pouring these thoughts onto the page, I could release them, making space for clarity and focus throughout my day. It was like a mental detox each morning.
Revealing Insights: Through the act of writing, I began to uncover insights about my life. Patterns emerged, and I started recognizing the things that truly mattered to me, as well as areas I continued to struggle. This self-awareness was eye-opening and helped me identify areas where I wanted to grow and change. I was able to reflect and create new intentions for my day.
Rediscovering Joy and Playfulness
Another gift of journaling through The Artist's Way was the rekindling of joy and playfulness. Cameron encourages readers to embrace their inner child, and as I wrote, I found myself reconnecting with the things that sparked my curiosity and excitement. I began to focus my attention on things I enjoyed as a child, and attempted to bring them into my life. Whether it was exploring hobbies I used to enjoy or simply reflecting on what brings me unadulterated joy, my perspective began to shift.
Building a Creative Routine
Journaling slowly became a cornerstone of my daily routine, a ritual that began to set a positive tone for the day. By committing to this practice, I cultivated discipline while also honoring my creative side. It was a reminder that creativity isn’t just a talent; it’s a way of engaging with the world and requires continued practice to create a well space. I have begun to see journaling as a contract with myself, and the way in which creativity has began to flow into my life.
Your Journey of Self-Discovery
Starting my journaling journey with Julia Cameron’s The Artist's Way was a pivotal moment in my life. It provided me with the tools to tap into my creativity, gain clarity, and reconnect with myself. If you’re ready to embark on your journey with The Artist's Way, you can find her book here. I highly recommend a physical copy of this as opposed to digital so that you can make notes in the margins. You’ll also want to invest in a journal too, and this one is giving me fall vibes.
Once you have the book in hand, set aside some dedicated time each day to dive into the practice and journaling. I also recommend creating a comfortable and inviting space for your writing, which can set a tone and routine you look forward to each day. As you begin your Morning Pages, approach the process with an open heart and mind. There are no rules here—just write what comes to you without judgment. You’ll be surprised by what begins to unfold.
Ultimately, embrace the entire process as any level of commitment helps to become a catalyst to change. Every page you write is a step toward self-discovery and deeper creativity. The Artist's Way has the potential to transform your relationship with creativity, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic it holds.