I never finished reading The Artist’s Way, much less worked my way through the program.
For those of you who don’t know this book by Julia Cameron, it’s a classic text of the creativity field. Written in 1977, the text influenced creatives working in every medium and launched the careers of innumerable creativity coaches like my friend Amy Climer.
I know, right?! I’m a creativity coach and I’ve never read this book. How is this possible?
The Artist’s Way made its first appearance on my radar in 1997. Between then and now, I checked it out of the library on multiple occasions, and every time I found something else more interesting to read.
Finally, during the pandemic, the electronic copy went on sale and I snapped it up. This would be my chance! Just like people made intricate pies, wrote scripts for their dogs, and watched all of Netflix, I would work my way through The Artist’s Way.
At page 60, I set it aside.
Again.
Nothing against Julia Cameron. I read The Right to Write and The Sound of Paper and loved them! Through those works, her tools wriggled their way into my coaching toolbox.
There’s just something about The Artist’s Way that doesn’t resonate with me. More than likely, it’s because it’s something I feel like I “should” do with no other why or what behind it.
And, despite coaching myself and others about the dangers of “should,” a part of me buys into the idea, thinking, “How can I call myself a creativity coach if I’ve never read this book?”
This is the point where I remind myself that I’ve devoured multiple texts on creativity written by masters of the field and have my Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaching certification (and that program has been designated as the best overall creativity coaching program by Life Coach magazine)!
Plus, I have coaching clients who find real value in the work we do together.
Despite not having read this one book.
So, when that little thought emerges that I “should” work through The Artist’s Way, I put it aside and get to work.
What is the thing that you feel like you “should” do before you can call yourself a “real” [fill in the blank]?
Maybe it’s time to put it aside and just get to work.
Need some company while you do this work? During Parallel Universe Time, we hold the space for each other while we make progress on whatever projects we wish. Join me for Parallel Universe Time on Wednesdays from 3-4pm Eastern.
Or maybe you need a little break? Get away to the Reading Retreat for a cozy weekend where all you have to do is read your way through your TBR. September 27-30th at Birdy’s House nestled in the Catskills in Delhi, NY. Sign up now for the Early Bird special where all you need to do is tell me how this will benefit you and what you can share with the group. At the beginning of July, the cost will go to $100 plus all that info!
Time for some sweet moves with Sugarland’s dance party!
I'm LA (as in tra-la-la) Bourgeois, Kaizen-Muse Certified Creativity Coach
Contact me at la@labourgeois.biz to allow me to empower you to manifest your creative dreams.
Getting things moving