In 2014 I was part of a book club that was reading Walking in This World, by Julia Cameron. Julia is of the belief of writing morning papers, at least three pages worth.
Morning Pages, a practice popularized by Julia Cameron in her book “The Artist’s Way,” are designed to help individuals, particularly artists and writers, overcome creative blocks and boost their creative flow. They are a form of stream-of-consciousness writing, where you simply write whatever comes to mind without editing or self-censorship.
I find it cumbersome to try and physically write, at least so I can read it later if necessary. Other people had similar experiences and so they figured out, on average 750 words were written to complete three pages. I started in 2014 using this website and after a week or two stopped using it for whatever reason. In January of this year, they emailed everyone that had ever used the site of a major update. This website is a safe space to write honestly and bare all. I get to choose to share my writings or not. No one is going to “come across” my writings by chance. I decided to use this to my advantage and write about my life.
Instead of creating a chronological writing, I decided to do it in sections. From men and relationships, to jobs, places I’ve lived and many other subjects. I’ve committed to writing every day a minimum of 750 words and many days writing beyond this.
Why am I sharing all this with you? I have gained so much insight into my life, my choices, and how reflecting on my life has offered me opportunity for growth. I am seeing myself in a different light and I feel safe to be the most honest I have ever been with myself because I know no one else will see it, yet. It is a process to peel away the layers of protection and being dishonest to myself. I continue to peel away the layers to my authentic self, it a slow process.
This has also offered me opportunity to see that every straight, twist and turning part of my journey has been orchestrated to get me to where I am at today. How does that help me? When I questioned whether I could go on, when I was in the deepest of despair, asking “why me”, I understand now how those moments helped me in my growth, and understanding others choices in their lives may not look like they are “doing the right thing” but there is something much bigger at play for them and for me.
One last thing, in sharing about 750words.com, they also have options of summarizing the writing, doing an overall review which I’ve found to be so helpful to gain perspective of how I navigate this world.
While this deep dive into one’s life isn’t something everyone will want to pursue, I wanted to make you aware of this website. I do contribute a small monthly financial amount however; I do not believe that is a requirement to just write your thoughts.
Consider this, what would it feel like to be honest with yourself? To say (write) the things you’ve wanted to say out loud, to no longer carry burdens that you’ve carried because you silenced yourself or were silenced by others. What if you could release yourself from the “good girl” programming or the “masculine requirement” programming and be comfortable, safe and empowered to be YOU?
