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Back up but with some revisions.

Working on not deleting things randomly.

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Some fun mail came in! I’ve been sick these last couple of days so this was a nice treat :)

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For April I barely used any stickers, so I figured I’d go overboard for May to compensate ( ´∀｀)

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Art prompt page that I made for myself! Inspired by @daylightsketches

Most of these are just ideas that I’ve had in my head. And most likely I’ll forget if I don’t write them down so this’ll be perfect for those moments when I feel like I have no idea on what to draw （＾∇＾）

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Finally made that page for Dahlia!

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Made some OC spreads, thinking of making a page for Dahlia :]

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Love these girls ٩(^‿^)۶

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Just Dulce looking cute (≧∀≦)

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Drew to kill time and played some tic-tac-toe that was very rigged (￣^￣)

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My beloved ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

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When both parties are terrified of roaches (°▽°)

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Annie spread 🍓

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We love to see the girlies winning (๑>◡<๑)

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Lil collection of doodles (￣▽￣)

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Set up my April habit trackers! This was inspired by @nararain and their April cover page and calendar ( ＾∀＾)

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☀️Morning Pages☀️| Journaling

- “the bedrock tool of creative recovery”

🔗 Come join our journaling community here on tumblr! 🔗

‘Morning Pages’ is a simple technique by Julia Cameron covered in her book The Artist’s Way intended to clear the mind of any brain clutter that stunts your creativity and productivity. This technique is loved by many because it’s helped them work through creative blocks, sort and prioritize their ideas, and reduce their anxiety.

Method:

Morning Pages involves starting your day by filling three pages in long-hand writing with your stream of consciousness—don’t think about what to write, write about what you think. You write without interruptions or distractions. You don’t correct it share it, you don’t even have to read it once you’re done!

“Does it have to be three full pages?”

No, of course not! While Julia Cameron recommends three pages of A4-sized paper, there is no wrong or right way. Adjust this method to your needs, whether this means writing more or less, setting a timer instead of a page limit, doing evening pages unread of morning, or taking breaks between days.

Key Words: stream of consciousness, longhand writing, brain clutter

Bellow I elaborated with key terms, tips, tricks, helpful video and article links, and my personal experience.

Stream of consciousness means writing nonstop whatever pops into your mind without worrying about grammar, legibility, or comprehensiveness. It’s about recording flow of your thoughts onto paper as they happen spontaneously.

Longhand writing is simply the practice of hand writing on physical paper. This practice is recommended as it forces you to be mentally present in the writing process, slowing your thoughts so you may record record and reflect on them.

Brain clutter consists of all the “noise” you have in your mind. They can be your self doubts, your insecurities, your stress, ideas… Often, this noise creates a mental block that restricts your creativity and productivity.

Tips:

Pens over pencils, the permanence of ink will deter you from the urge to erase or back track

Use a comfortable, smooth flowing and quick drying pen to better your experience

Listen to music to aid your focus, non lyrical songs are recommended

Start small. You don’t need to start with three pages, work your way up to it, or,

instead of setting a page goal set a time goal.

It doesn’t have to be in the morning, choose a time of day that best suits you, like before bed.

Getting through obstacles:

“I don’t know what to write.” That’s your first sentence! Go from there. Look at morning page prompts before you begin if needed.

“I’m having trouble being consistent.” Dont be afraid to adjust your goal to more manageable levels. But also: Building a habit is hard, but try to pass the three day mark. You’ll find that it’s easier the longer you keep it up

“I’m ashamed of my writing.” This is a personal, private journal that is not meant to be shared. It’s not meant to be pretty. Heck, it’s not even meant to be read. It’s meant to empty all your brain clutter so you may continue onto your day with clarity.

“I tried it but I find it torturous.” That’s okay! You’re not doing it wrong, it’s just not a good technique for you. There are so many other journaling methods to explore. You’ll know when you find the right one because you’ll feel good after doing it.

My personal experience:

As a person who has always struggled with deep rooted anxieties, stress, and even anger, I find this method therapeutic. I started doing morning pages this March and here are my thoughts 23 days after.

Brain clutter has become the major source of my self limitations. These inner thoughts of mine that loop in my brain endlessly with worries and doubts have prevented me from doing even the most mundane of tasks.

Starting my day writing without concern of the outcome has left me feeling lighter. Like I can breathe. I take those inner voices, everything that’s bouncing around right when my day starts, put them on paper and shut my notebook. They don’t disappear, it’s not a cure all, but they’re quieter. I’m able to sort through them better and in turn organize myself so I can tackle the day.

It’s not only the negative, though. For me, the first page or two may start that way and then I run out of worries to write about—which actually make them seem so much more finite and manageable than first perceived. Then I have to pick my brain and force the last of my thoughts onto paper. They’re so much less profound and heavy, some silly even.

I write about what I’m exited about, interrupt myself as my brain goes into a tangent, circle back and talk about what I have planned for the day, talk about the dream I had the night before.

I’ve missed 3 days in total since I began, and at that point I had developed the habit enough that it would be on my mind nagging me as I tried to fall asleep. Sometimes I would write more than three A5 pages, sometimes I would write less, and that worked for me. It was more about venting until I could focus on what my thoughts were beneath the dark gunk.

I will continue doing morning pages, allowing myself to miss a day here and there, unless it keeps me from falling asleep in which case I’ll do them in the evening to wind down. I’m curious to see if doing these pages before bed will help me with my sleep.

Videos:

“I tried writing morning pages for 30 days” Leighann Creates

“is the Artist’s Way worth your time” Marianne’s Studio

“Morning Pages… tips and motivation” Jaclyn Baer

Articles:

“These 3 Pages Might be Your Key to a Clearer Mind, Better Ideas and Less Anxiety”Winfield

“What are morning pages?” Abrahamsen

Book: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

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Saiki K drawings (￣^￣)ゞ