This past week I had writer’s block. I had absolutely no idea what to write about for Mindful Monday. My mind and the page were completely blank.
I thought to myself, ok I’m going to write about having nothing to write about.
Guess what? It worked and ideas started flowing again.
As I started to write about having nothing to write about, this is what came up…
Last week I started The Artist’s Way, a 12-week program designed to bring more creativity into your life.
Every morning I’ve been doing my ‘morning pages’. Which includes three full pages of uninterrupted writing. It also includes an ‘artist’s date’ where once a week I plan something special for me and my inner artist to do.
This new practice has had me feeling really inspired…so how interesting I got writer’s block. Why this week when I’m opening to more creativity?
Coincidence? I don’t think so.
I had a light bulb moment.
One part of me is totally onboard with opening myself up to more creativity, to feeling inspired and in the flow, and yet there clearly is another part that’s saying no and attempting to hold me back.
Have you ever set your mind to make a change or embark on a new project and soon after the roadblocks (The Inner Critic) start coming out of the woodwork?
You know, you’re ready to change your eating habits, take a risk, exercise more, speak up, be more authentic, take a course, leave a relationship or job, feel the fear and do it anyway.
You’re so fired up.
You think to yourself, ‘This is it. I’m finally going to do it!’
And then at some point resistance steps in and - you quit.
I think it’s safe to say we have all been here more than once. I know I have.
The voice in our head might sound like, ‘’Who do you think you are anyway? You can’t do this. What will people say? Don’t bother. It’s not that important. Quit now because you’ll just fail like all of those other times.” And on and on…
I had thoughts like, ‘You have nothing to write for Mindful Monday. Don’t worry about it. You’ve been doing it for over 6 years, what’s the big deal?’
Well, the truth is the world wouldn’t come to an end if I didn’t write a Mindful Monday, but I made this commitment years ago and for me it’s really important.
Resistance showed up and I saw how the sneaky Inner Critic was trying to sabotage my endeavour.
I know in my heart of hearts that having a mindfulness practice for all these years has increased my resiliency and my resolve. When I set my mind to something I am much more apt to follow through.
And it’s an ongoing practice. It’s not perfect by any means.
On the journey of self-discovery, we are growing and learning, our perception of ourselves and life is constantly shifting. It’s exciting, scary, wonderous. It’s easy and it can be hard.
And guaranteed, along the way we will meet resistance.
I expect it now.
However, when we meet the resistance with awareness it doesn’t have to stop us.
We can access the part of us that is stronger than the resistance.
We feel the fear and do it anyway.
This is a muscle we build over time - when we are consistent.
“Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace, and power in it.”
― Julia Cameron, quote from The Artist's Way
Are in you in a place where you’d like to make some changes in your life?
Are you moving forward or is the Inner Critic putting up blocks?
I have a new coaching Program called ‘It’s Time to Celebrate You!’ providing support, resources and guidance to help you find your voice, feel inspired, connect to your passion, and celebrate who you are!
If this new program sounds like it may be a good fit – contact me. I’d love to support you.
Diane