The Artist's Way: Week Two

[kygirl]

This week we're looking at Recovering a Sense of Identity. Your worksheets for the week just went out, so look for them in your e-mail box soon.

[Lumilyon]

Last night, i sat and read this week's chapter and could not believe how relevant it is to what is going on in my life right now. It's going to be an interesting week!

[kygirl]

This one is a big one for me, too. Now that my children are grown, the old labels of mom, PTA leader, etc., no longer apply. Now that I'm no longer working, I can't refer to myself as an editor or manager anymore. So, who the heck am I right now? And who do I want to be? I once remarked to Indybev that I never expected to be finding myself at 50. She responded that "that's what you do at 50." :-)

I really like the tasks this week. They're all so positive. My favorite is listing the ten tiny changes. One change I'm going to work on this week is remembering to take my vitamins. I think I'll make a chart for the fridge.

Any changes you're planning that you'd like to share?

[kaylaugh]

Oh....My....Freaking....Goodness!

I never thought I would ever find anyone who understands my Crazy-maker! That was the most accurate description of not only my DD, but also of her effect on my life! I can't wait for my hubby to get home so he can listen to this section!

The only thing Julia didn't get right is that I am not seeking out my crazy-maker and trying to stay blocked. I'm celebrating my newfound independence from the crazy maker I gave birth to! No, I'm not a bad mom for feeling like this! (no, I'm not a bad mom, no, I'm not a bad mom...that's my internal battle from week 1...I just now saw it.)

Kristi

[FLCindy]

List twenty things you enjoy doing. When was the last time you did any of these things?
1. Reading-last time I did this: last night
2. Bike riding-last time I did this for enjoyment (not exercise): ??
3. Digital scrapping-last time I did this: 4 months ago
4. Digital ATC's-last time I did this: 5 months ago?
5. By hand ATC's-last time I did this: 3 yrs ago
6. Card making-last time I did this-2 nights ago
7. Visiting lighthouses-last time I did this-1 yr ago
8. Writing to pen pals-last time I did this-last week
9. Hiking-last time I did this-4 yrs ago
10. Photography-last time I went on a photo AD-May 09
11. Go to movies: last time ?
12. Walking on beach-last time-2 yrs ago
13. Discovering small towns-last time-10 months ago
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Last week, we made a list of five imaginary lives. Let's add five more lives this week. Are there ways you can incorporate bits and pieces of these careers into your own life?
1. Doctor-by learning the latest info about fibro
2. Writer
3.
4.
5.

List ten tiny changes you can make in your life for yourself. These can be small or significant. Right now, I feel I can't think about ten tiny changes as I am still in a fibro flare up. It's my first time, doing TAW, with a flare up. I feel helpless because I have no energy. I am certain I will be able to list as the week progresses.
1. I would like to
2. I would like to
3. I would like to
4. I would like to
5. I would like to
6. I would like to
7. I would like to
8. I would like to
9. I would like to
10. I would like to

[kygirl]

Kristi, when your crazy-makers are family members, the whole subject becomes much more complex. It looks like you already understand that while you can't pick your relatives, you can choose how much power you allow them. Good luck with this.

Cindy, sorry to hear that you're ill. I hope it passes soon. You're off to a great start with your lists.

[kaylaugh]

no kidding! But I am treating her like the adult she is. And I know pursuing any contact just pushes her away...she will have to outgrow this phase where she thinks I'm the worst mom ever. I miss my gandbaby soooo much! But I want him to grow up seeing a healthy relationship between his mom and nana. So I have to be patient and wait. I'm happy that they are still seeing my sister's family and my parents a lot.

Kristi

[Scamptx]

Hi! I'm late joining and a newbie to boot. I was thrilled to see that you were working through the Artist's Way--I've done it before, but really need a refresher, and I find that I'm more likely to get off my duff if I have a *support* group!

I added to my "identity" when we moved my mother from her home in Arkansas to assisted living in the town where I live. It's been more draining on me than I thought it would be, so I'm working on recovering some of the "me" that has gotten swallowed by the time and emotions of dealing with an aging parent.

I think I really need to work on the list of ten tiny changes. I tend to think in the BIG and forget that baby steps will get me there, and usually faster, since I'm more likely to take them.

Looking forward to this, and meeting all of you!

Scamp

[Lumilyon]

Change is a big issue for me in that I embrace it but my partner finds it very challenging, so I find that thinking about big changes is too daunting. Baby steps feels safer! First on my list is: stop procrastinating!!! If I can nail that one, it will be a giant leap for me.

[Scamptx]

Please let me know if you are successful with the procrastination issue! I am the world's greatest at finding creative ways to justify procrastinating things that really have to get done, including things at my paying job where it is truly important!

[FLCindy]

I won't be around for a week or two. My Mom and I are flying to see my Aunt. She's going into Hospice tommorrow.
I will be back and will post my TAW stuff!

[kaylaugh]

have a safe trip!

Kristi

[Lumilyon]

Good luck Cindy x

[clickhappy]

Small changes

1. Wake up earlkier

2. Use the second alarm clock to help

3. Daily stretches

4. chore enforcement

5 Keep my room picked up

6. desk time in my room

7. photos every other day

8. menu planning

9. read with the kids earlier in the evening

10. more self care


Where does my time go?

trying to help my dad

house

driving

extra shopping for that one thing

web (this might be #1 really)

doing these exercises


Favorite things

Baking - 4 days ago

walking - 1 week

visiting - few days

going new places - 10 days

Laugh with my kids - yesterday

Decorate or improve the house- three weeks

Teach the kids - yesterday

Scrap creatively - yesterday

Photograph - yesterday

Stamps chalks paint "art" - too long ago maybe 6 months

Favorite tv shows- yesterday

Read - 2 days ago

Coffee shop or book store - 3 weeks

Thrift store - 3 weeks

Craft Store - more than a month

Enjoy being alive together - today

Supportive time and friendship with DH - couple of days ago

Go to the mountains - 4 months

Go to the beach- 4 months

Write a nice letter or note or even blog post - 2 days

Help others - 1 week or more

I do seem to have time for what I like to do although it does not feel like it sometimes. It's that balance thing that never feels balanced. My goal is to increase my output and decrease my procrastination.

[clickhappy]

Safe travels, Cindy, and take care of yourself!

Scamp, I can relate about new identity with an aging parent as my dad is relying on my a lot right now and he is a stubborn independent person by nature. I have been processing this a lot and will try to post a layout that I am making. I have two kids at home and one at college in another state and this also challenges my identity and ability to do it all- or need to. I realize I don't need to carry everyone's expectations w/ me but :(it is a hard habit to break.

[kygirl]

I'm another one coping with aging parents while still trying to be a good parent, wife, and artist. My mother has been in and out of the hospital about a dozen times this past year. It's both physically and emotionally draining. Can your crazymaker be a situation, rather than an actual person?

I've missed chatting with you gals this week. I'm out of state attending the funeral of a young cousin. I didn't get to do an Artist's Date, and frankly, haven't done too many morning pages. I should be back in town by this weekend and ready to get back on track.

In the meantime, I am planning on sending out your new handout tonight. Keep on journaling. :)

[kygirl]

How many days this week did you journal?
Did you do an Artist's Date?
Is there anything you'd like to share about this week?

I'll start. I've been so tied up with family this week that I've only journaled three times, and I didn't get to go on an Artist's Date at all. I'm sure I'll do better next week when I'm back home and back in my routine.

[gardenerjoy]

I just got back from my Artist's Date -- the movie Whip It, Drew Barrymore's directorial debut. The theme fits with what we're exploring in The Artist's Way. What happens when your mother says "beauty pageant queen" but your creative authentic inner voice says "roller derby queen?"

I did my Morning Pages every day. That seems to be like bicycling. I went through TAW the first time more than a decade ago, and continued my Morning Pages for quite some time afterwards. The habit returned pretty easily. I've even noticed that most days they follow the pattern that I remember from before -- 1st page is about yesterday, 2nd page is about what I plan for today, and the 3rd page is where anything can happen!

[kygirl]

Whip It is on my list of movies to see this fall. I just love Drew Barrymore.