Numerous books and tapes suggest starting a journal. There are workshops offered and methods outlined for journaling. Realizing the power of keeping a journal, I started many. But, even though I believed in the power of journaling - just like students and other speakers I have talked with about journals - I would write in my journal regularly for several weeks, then once or twice a week, then once a month, until I put it aside for several years. That was until I discovered the program that changed my life. This twelve week program in contained in the book, The Artist's Way : A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron and Mark Bryan. I have recommended it to everyone I know, and those who have followed it, feel the same way I do. Let me tell you about it.
Besides purchasing the book, get the hardcover The Artist's Way Morning Pages Journal. There are two tasks to perform throughout the program, and I call them "tasks" because in the beginning, they are not easy. The first is to fill three pages, longhand, in your journal every morning. Not being a morning person, I found this to be a stretch in the beginning. There is a reason, however, for doing this in the a.m. It sets the whole tone for the day. And, once you have the habit, you will look forward to the writing and will fill your first journal before you know it.
What should I write about and how does this writing set the tone for the day? First of all, this is different from journaling. You are not to worry about good or creative writing. Just write whatever comes to mind - things you feel good about, what you are planning to do, gripes and whining, worries, joys, accomplishments. As Julia says, writing the first page and a half is easy, writing the second page and a half get down to the truth. By writing what you want to brag about, complain about, what you do and don't like, you clear your mind and attitude for the rest of the day, so that there is room for the creative ideas that we all have. You will be amazed by the difference you will feel in your life and the effect this will have on your stories and storytelling.
All right, then, what is the second task? Surprisingly, I found this to be more difficult to keep up with. Julia suggests keeping an artist's date with oneself every week. This is to be a one to two hour excursion that you take alone to experience a place, an event, or something special that you don't usually do. For example, visit a museum or a button store, go to a movie alone, take a walk in the woods, on the beach or in the city, visit an area you have never visited. This is a time to be by yourself so that you can creatively tune into you and your surroundings.
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