The Write Diet was an idea I had a couple years back. I went all gung-ho, setting up a blog, and started putting my thoughts to paper to try and write a book. I was going to put my idea to print. A short time later, I was on Amazon and saw the pre-release advertisement of Julia Cameron’s newest book, 215800 challenge. The Official Challenge ends tomorrow, but my personal challenge is just beginning. It has been a FABULOUS experience and a huge reminder of who I am and to start honoring the artist within again.
In my morning pages today, I was reminded, again, that I am an artist at heart. From the first time I took my crayons to my bedroom wall to create a fabulous mural flower garden to put a smile on my Mom’s face because she was angry with me. I had done something to be sent to my room, don’t remember what, but I thought my art could fix it. There have been many instances where I stepped out of my comfort zone and shared my art; only to be criticized and told I didn’t follow the rules.
It hasn’t been until this 215800 that I opened my eyes completely. Their are NO RULES in art. If you express from your heart, it is real. Art is to be shared but to be allowed to speak for itself. Remember, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That is the same with my writing AND my body. Express from my heart and it is real. I no longer need to criticize myself if I don’t follow the rules or even know the rules.
I am the beholder of my thoughts and actions. I discover each and every day the beauty within myself. Today is weigh in day. 253.8. I lost all that I gained last week plus .6 of a pound. This challenge has moved me out of the black and white thinking I got stuck in, once again. I posted a recipe I am trying today, Sauteed Baby Artichokes. Back to my original challenge of learning to cook that I started months ago and gave up on because of black and white thinking. Yesterday, I realized I can have my cake and eat it too. (Or artichokes and gorgeous flowers too) I just need to be open to changing my attitude and my thinking. My canvas can be a blog page, a stove, a garden, a sidewalk, or anything else I SEE FIT!
So while I focused on my writing, over 25,000 words written, the other just came into play. Days exercised: 18 , running progressed from 2 sidewalk square to an entire block. Yoga stretches and weight training, 3 days a week. Scale movement: 3.3 pounds in the 21 days. My self-worth, new discoveries and a new blank canvas…. PRICELESS!
I just need to be open to changing my attitude and my thinking. My canvas can be a blog page, a stove, a garden, a sidewalk, or anything else I SEE FIT!
I loved this sentenece Jules.. along with the whole post. CONGRATS and all your accomplishments & just keep it moving forward in whatever way works for you!!!!!!
Thanks for the great post! It also reminds me that I’m about due to read The Artist’s Way again. Looking forward to hearing how the recipe goes.
I am with you on noticing the blank new canvas and while I haven’t weighed myself during these 21 Days, I have noticed my body feels tighter and my posture has changed and my clothes are looser… so yes, something is happening!
Awesome, Jules – so glad I found you before 21.5.800 ends. I haven’t had your commitment to writing/yoga throughout, but sure have enjoyed meeting such amazing women on similar journeys! XO
I too am a big fan of Julia Cameron! I didn’t know she wrote a weight loss book.
I read The Vein of Gold as part of a class of maybe 10 people. We did all the exercises. I did the best ceramic sculpture I ever made during the period when I was in that class. Two people who met at the class later got married. It seems that everyone who took it reaped a major benefit in their life.
I loved this post and you’ve got me wanting to dust off my ye old copy of Artist’s Way and giving it yet another try