I did it. I just finished The Artist’s Way.
It was Thursday, June 27, of this year that Julia Cameron's book ended up on my doorstep from my dear friend Carl. We had a lunch together the day before filled with deep, existential chatter (which is always our jam, let’s be honest). I started the book that Saturday - and sent a text: “This has the structure and guidance that I was trying to cobble together myself, and it came at JUST the right time.”
“Great to hear it. I was hoping it would unlock some things,” he replied. Boy, did it.
On Monday, July 1, 2024, I wrote my first Morning Pages. I’m about to finish filling my second composition book, completing it on January 1 if I keep them up the next three days. It took me six months to finish the course aka READ THE BOOK aka complete this life-changing cycle.
I had never heard of the book before it landed on my doorstep, but I soon realized how much it’s been evangelized - and why. Early on, I joined an Artist’s Way Facebook group to learn from others and to have a support system for the process. It soon became apparent this wasn’t just a book about creativity or spirituality. It would be some heavy-hitting therapy as well.
I remember seeing others in the group sharing their success stories as they finished the course. Quitting their day jobs, getting their screenplays picked up… I was in awe, unsure but curious.
And now here we are. It took me six months instead of three. I skipped the Reading Deprivation in Week 4. I got stumped on Chapter 9 with the re-reading of the Morning Pages. It took me five weeks to start Chapter 10 - which I now realize was due to my fear of digging into those pages again and all the epiphanies they held that I wasn’t yet ready to face. I now have trinkets on every windowsill and notes taped up all around my desk. (YES, with Scotch tape! Who am I?)
Since I started the course, I’ve written 70 pages of tasks, gone through two composition books of MPs - missing only a handful of days in the 181 since I started. I’ve bought 10 copies of the book for 10 different friends. I went on countless artist’s dates - two of the most impactful being organizing my sock drawer and flying solo to St. Louis to see Phish.
During this time, I started writing a book, launched a marketing consulting and coaching business, launched my website and blog, and have written numerous articles. I’ve experienced both small and life-altering synchronicities - which I think were already there and happening, but I’ve learned to open up and listen. I’ve learned what it means to center creativity in my life. I’m learning (constantly and continuously) to recognize my creative blockers and how mostly I get in my own way.
I made The Artist’s Way my work. I had the time to do it, and I committed to it. And it’s significantly influenced me and my life.
I have so many more reflections and lessons, but I wanted to first share that I did it! I finished it. “Finished it” sounds funny since this creative life endures, the lessons and philosophies are part of me now, and I’m adopting the rituals as permanent. But as my support system and friends, I wanted to share with you all that I reached my goal of finishing by the end of the year. I DID IT!
If you have questions, are curious about the book or the process, or want to share your own experience, please reach out or share here. I’d love to hear from you.
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