The Artist’s Way: Week Six

I am over halfway through the 12 week program outlined in Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. Week six was difficult, logistically and emotionally, but I’m sticking with it…. sleep be damned!

I was traveling during week six and had some major family turmoil on my mind. I seemed to need more sleep than usual and I found myself struggling to wake up in time to do the morning pages before my children woke. The pages were a helpful place to process the sadness and anger I was feeling about my family situation, but it felt like a chore some days. Also, I really dropped the ball on capturing the spirit of week six, which was “Recovering a Sense of Abundance.” The week’s theme was all about creating little moments and spaces of luxury and self-care. I felt at my most haggard and worn down about mid-week, however. I was hounded by a nagging need for more sleep and more time for myself to rest and heal.

I am feeling a lot better as I begin week seven. I got a haircut and baked banana muffins and worked out. Amazing how much that helps! The lesson for me: self-care opportunities won’t magically show up in my life if I don’t prioritize and create them. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day and I can be more intentional about how I spend mine. Indeed, I mapped out this week with color coded time blocks (a la Cheli Jo) with “me time” clearly indicated. I am grateful to be on this journey. I will keep you posted on week seven.