Discover how The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and the practice of Morning Pages transformed my life. Learn how this simple daily ritual sparked self-discovery, creativity, and inner healing, and how it can help you on your own journey.
The Artist's Way: My Journey
written by Texas
Updated: November 11, 2024
Where my journey began
In January of 2013, a year after my Mum passed away, I began a journey that would forever change how I viewed myself and my creative potential. I picked up The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, a book that had been whispered to me by friends and clients during my time as a hairstylist in Brooklyn. They shared stories of how Morning Pages—a daily practice of writing three pages each morning—had helped them clear mental clutter and unlock creativity. At the time, I didn’t fully realize how much I needed that same sense of release and discovery.
By 2012, my life had fallen apart. On the outside, I had everything I thought I wanted—I was living in New York, pursuing art, and working as a successful hairstylist. But inside, I was lost. I had achieved the goals I set for myself, yet I felt more broken than ever. It was as though the more I achieved, the further I drifted from myself.
That’s when I turned to The Artist's Way and began the 12-week program. The process was messy. It wasn’t easy, and some days it felt like I was fighting against myself. The pages were often filled with frustration, doubt, and repetition—sometimes all I could muster was writing the same thought over and over again. But I kept going, even when it felt like nothing was happening.
As I continued to write my Morning Pages, something profound began to unfold. I saw, in black and white, how unkind my inner voice was—how critical and harsh it had become. I realized that this voice wasn’t truly mine. These were echoes from my past, the voices of others who had left their mark on my self-perception, particularly from childhood. And in that realization, a shift began. I slowly started to rewrite that narrative, replacing self-criticism with compassion.
Morning Pages became a tool of self-discovery and self-healing. They allowed me to tune out the noise and connect with my true voice, the one that nurtured rather than tore down. Over time, as the negativity faded, I found myself exploring new ideas—some of which I let go, but others I pursued with greater confidence. These dreams became my reality.
Now, over a decade later, the Morning Pages remain a constant in my life. While I may not always practice them consistently, they’re a home I return to time and again. When life becomes cluttered or overwhelming, I know that the simple act of writing can bring me back to myself.
This practice is about more than creativity—it’s about self-compassion, exploration, and healing. The Artist’s Way isn’t a magic formula that will instantly transform your life. It requires persistence, vulnerability, and a willingness to face the parts of yourself you’ve long ignored. But it’s worth it. The process, messy as it may be, leads to clarity, creativity, and a deeper understanding of who you are.
Helping Others
I hope to reach anyone curious about The Artist’s Way—whether you’re an artist or not, whether you’re looking for a creative outlet or simply seeking clarity in your life. My hope is that my experience may resonate with anyone who feels stuck or unsure of their next step. If you’re struggling with a loud inner critic or feeling lost despite outward success, I want to offer you the same encouragement that The Artist’s Way offered me.
The Power of Morning Pages
Journaling is a core practice in my coaching, and I share personalized prompts to help my clients dive deeper into the thoughts and beliefs holding them back. I believe in the power of writing to unlock insight and encourage healing. The Artist’s Way—and the Morning Pages—are tools I use and recommend often, and I’ve seen firsthand how they change lives, including my own.
I encourage you to pick up The Artist’s Way and give Morning Pages a try. It’s not about perfection or immediate results; it’s about showing up for yourself, day after day, even when it’s hard. The act of writing clears the mind, creates space for new ideas, and allows us to explore our true selves.
A Call to Action
Have you worked through The Artist’s Way or practiced Morning Pages? What has been your experience? If the book has been calling to you, I invite you to share your thoughts. You can email me or DM me on Instagram at @with_texas. If you’d like guidance or coaching on your own creative or self-discovery journey, I’m here to help you explore the path that lies ahead.
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