the Artists Way Week 2 & emotions are running high

While in week 2 my mom came to visit me and shake things up

Recovering a sense of identity

Week 2 is all about recovering a sense of identity and recognizing all of the people in your life who could be bringing you down creatively. It was about understanding that some people in your life may be purposefully keeping you in a lower state because it is where they feel comfortable. Julia Cameron calls these people “Crazymakers” and even though I thought this was an interesting idea it didn’t really resonate with me at all. I’ve always kept my groups of friends very small and supportive, I can sniff out anyone who doesn’t believe in my creativity and usually just walk away back into wonderland (haha).

Looking back on when I used to travel by myself I honestly didn’t have many friends, my life was very small. I kept in touch with my mom and a few high school and college friends. As I grew my circle of friends I have been very careful and made sure to find people who inspire me in aspects that I knew I could grow and I can honestly say I’m very happy with all of the people I have in my life right now.

She also spoke about your close circle of friends and who should you tell you’re doing the Artists Way to and who doesn’t really need to know. It’s so funny that this was the very week my mom came to visit me because she is definitely my #1 person I tell everything to (even if she doesn’t want to hear it).

The chapter that really slaped me in the face: Attention

There was a chapter that did speak in volumnes to me and that was all about attention. She mentioned that creative blocks can manifest from an addiction to fantasy and living in a dreamworld something that I always tend to do. Instead of living in the now we indulge in our fantasies and imagine what could have, would have, or should have been.

I always thought living in a dreamworld was what made me creative but maybe it was separating me from the real world and stopping me from pursing my real dreams

She also spoke about being present and just noticing the small things such as the beautiful flower that may be growing outside of your window or the neighborhood cat that hangs out near the house and to really appreciate it.

Instead of constantly thinking about these big goals that take a long time, notice the small things in everyday life and truly romanticize it.

Julia Cameron spoke about her grandmother and how she would always notice all of the small things in her life and all of the joy each thing brought her. This made me think about my own grandma who sadly passed. Her name was Alice and we were very close and she would always smile at everyone around her. She was like a bright light whereever she went. People who met her always said shes such a cute old lady with so much spunk and curiousity in the world.

The book I’m currently illustrating is dedicated to her because I always knew she was in my heart when I was at my loneliest in life and I know she’s with me now. I’ve always wanted to be more like her as someone who lives such a peaceful zen life.

Week 2: the week my mom came to visit me

This chapter had a full section that was focused on being attentive and just living in the present. To notice the small things you see everyday such as the flower growing outside of your window or the neighboyhood cat who crosses the street. To romanticize the small things in life.

It’s funny that this was the week my mom came to visit me and I decided I will not work on my book at all. I will fully live 100% in the present and truly enjoy life to the fullest and I did. I’m not gonna lie I got pretty sentimental after all of the fun things we did but it was more of a feeling of gratefulness. Being grateful that I have such special memories to share with the people that I love.

Learning to be more open to strangers

I usually don’t talk to that many people since I’m mainly just in my room illustrating or going to a yoga class but this week I felt my world open up so much more. I spoke with the owner at a restaurant I went to by myself. I even had a conversation with a woman in the sauna at the gym. It was these moments that remind me why I’m human and how important it is to just be more open and kind with everyone you meet.

Conclusion

I need to stop putting so much pressure on myself all of the time, I don’t want to live my life always feeling anxious about what I could be working on. I’m learning to slow down (which is extremely hard for me) and try to notice the small things in life.