Section 1.1: Toxic Influences in Our Lives

The central theme of this week’s chapter revolves around the negative impact of certain individuals, whom Julia Cameron refers to as "crazy makers" or "poisonous playmates." I prefer to call them self-centered individuals. These people often demand our time, energy, and resources without reciprocation.

While I anticipated a week focused on soul-searching and discovering my desires, I instead faced the challenging topic of establishing boundaries—something I believed I had mastered.

I have learned to distance myself from blatantly toxic individuals, exiting one-sided relationships with ease. However, when it comes to those I hold dear, I struggle to assert my own needs.

Section 1.2: The Struggle with Boundaries

At my core, I find it difficult to say no. I’m a people pleaser, always willing to sacrifice my own needs for the sake of others. My therapist suggests this stems from childhood coping mechanisms, while Julia characterizes it as "a secret doubt," a silent skepticism that discourages us from pursuing our true desires.

Interestingly, we also need to establish boundaries with our own self-doubt, as we can be our own worst enemies.

I often find myself hindering my own progress, convincing myself that I’m not capable enough and pushing my own needs aside. Did I recognize this before? Yes, but it wasn’t until now that I truly understood its significance.

In this video, we explore Week 2 of The Artist's Way, discussing the impact of emotional awareness and the importance of setting healthy boundaries.

Artist’s Date

This week, I made it a point to take time for myself. It may seem odd to feel proud for prioritizing self-care, but it was incredibly rewarding. After some initial hesitation, I decided to visit my favorite bookstore and indulge in some personal time, despite the adverse weather conditions.

I spent nearly 45 minutes browsing, allowing my inner child to revel in the joy of discovery. Remember those moments from childhood when you longed for the good Crayola markers but ended up with the cheap ones? This time, I chose the branded ones.

I also stumbled upon some quirky items at stores I usually avoid, treated myself to a lovely tray and flowers for my coffee table, and finished off with a chocolate milkshake.

Admittedly, I may have gone overboard, but I cherished every moment.

Morning Pages

I’m thrilled to report that I completed morning pages every single day this week! As someone who often feels pressed for time to think, these pages have become a vital part of my routine. They not only help me navigate decisions but also provide space to process my feelings surrounding them.

I generally keep it to three pages, allowing my thoughts to flow freely, and even found time for "evening pages" to work through additional thoughts. I wholeheartedly recommend this practice to anyone.

Creativity

This week, I reconnected with my creative side. Though my output may not be substantial, the desire to write and record has returned.

I must remind myself, however, that it’s important to be gentle with myself. I sometimes feel frustration when I can’t produce work late at night after a long day. It's perfectly normal to feel tired and unmotivated at times.

As we progress, it's vital to acknowledge that creativity can ebb and flow, with quieter moments as well.

Conclusion

Overall, this week has been incredibly enriching—perhaps even better than the last. While some reviews suggest the journey will become more challenging, I’m eagerly diving into week three. See you next week!

In this video, we delve into Julia Cameron's insights on emotional barriers and the creative process as presented in Part 2 of The Artist's Way.