Committed Creativity

There's Always More to Learn!

I have mentioned in a few posts that I was taking part in a 12-week course based on the book “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. The subtitle of the book is “Discovering and Recovering your Creative Self”. As I registered for the course I wasn’t sure what I would achieve specifically, but it sounded like it might offer some inspiration and accountability as we connected with others in small groups.

I have to confess that it seemed like quite a commitment of time for someone who rediscovered my creative self about five years ago, but I jumped in feet first (I have a tendency to overachieve) planning to study the material, do every activity, answer every question and finish strong with renewed enthusiasm. I am well into my next big creative project which at times has left me feeling a little overwhelmed, so I was convinced after completing this course, I would be able to finish my second book with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm. Now that the course is complete, I do feel that. However, it didn’t come in a big epiphany and wave of confidence, but more little discoveries about myself and my writing process that have made me feel ready to get to the finish line.

I did not complete every task the book suggested, nor did I score 100% on writing three full journal pages every day and I missed an artist date or two. If I were to be graded on my aptitude, I would probably give myself a B-. I didn’t feel everything in Julia’s book applied to me and I even confess that a time or two I outright rebelled and said out loud, “That’s dumb, I’m not doing that.” Clearly grades don’t mean as much to me as when I was in actual school. However, I do feel there was value in what I did take away from completing the course.

There were a lot of little lessons along the way, but my main takeaways are the following three that all happen to start with the letter “P”. (I do love allitration!)

1. Playfulness – The Artist’s Way focused a lot on the importance of connecting with your creative inner child and how allowing yourself to “play” truly does enhance creativity. The artist solo dates helped me realize that I enjoy spending time by myself doing things that bring me joy. I took myself to lunch and coffee, took in parks, went on photographic walks, went on a couple of treasure hunts, fingerpainted and built Legos outside and even went to a movie. It was good for me to realize that I can go and do things alone without feeling intimidated and that treating myself builds a lightness of spirit that lends itself to being more creative.

2. Perfectionism – This was a big lesson for me that I discovered about mid-way through the course. I’ve always known I have a tendency toward perfectionism. What I didn’t fully realize is that the tendency to only do things you do well means that I didn’t take risks to try things I might not be perfect at and that failing is a necessary part of creative growth. I had been missing out on things I might truly enjoy because I didn’t want to not do them right the first time. Watercolor painting has taught me that there is a lot of failure when you first begin and that it takes time and patience to get better. Not every painting is a masterpiece, that’s for certain. But when you do accomplish a “good one” it’s incredibly rewarding. I wouldn’t appreciate them if I hadn’t had a lot of “not so good ones.”

3. Partnership – The Artist’s Way recommends connecting with a group of three other people to share feedback, encouragement, and accountability. My group of four all felt differently about the course and the lessons in the book, but I learned from all of them along the way. I connected with others outside my group as well to compare notes and ideas. I came to realize the importance of those connections to maintain enthusiasm for creative projects and the accountability to stay on track. With the help of my creative partners, I believe I will finish my second book this year.

I’m grateful for this opportunity. I’m grateful for the growth. I’m grateful for the people I shared this journey alongside. I’m so grateful, in fact, that I’m going on to the next phase through Julia’s next book, “It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again”, which is designed for creatives in my stage of life. I have a great group of women who will share the lessons, insights and tasks. I have no doubt I will be playing, taking risks, and growing even more in the next weeks and months. And stay tuned for my second book, “The Other Side of Wilderness”, due out this year!