week 11.
this week we focus on our artistic autonomy. We examine the ongoing ways in which we must nurture and accept ourselves as artists. We explore the behaviours that can streghten our spiritual base and, therefore, our creative power. We take a special look at the ways in which success must be handled in order that we not sabotage our freedom. - Julia Cameron
key exercises.
the artist date.
I went to the University of Vigo since my dad is a professor there. We did coworking during the morning and then he showed me some of the different rooms in the campus.
Yes, I know I didn't go alone. But it really felt incredible to spent time with my dad. It was a type of date that an artist would have.
I challenge you to ask your mom or day or grandma on a date. This can be something positive for you and for them. Invite them to coffee or something they like....
emotional reflections.
This week, I totally broke the biggest rule of The Artist's Way. The book is incredibly strict about the "Artist Date" being a solo expedition, but honestly, I just really wanted to hang out with my dad.
We went to the University of Vigo, where he is a professor. We spent the morning just co-working together, and afterward, he showed me around the different rooms and spaces on campus. It wasn't this highly aesthetic, perfectly curated solo trip to an art gallery or a trendy coffee shop. It was just quiet, normal, and real.
And you know what? It felt incredible. For the longest time, my perfectionism dictated everything I did. If I wasn't executing a social media trend perfectly, I felt like I was failing. Going into this methodology, I almost carried that same toxic perfectionism with me—thinking I had to follow Julia Cameron's rules flawlessly or it "wouldn't count." But this week made me realize that recovering my creative autonomy means I get to decide what actually nourishes my soul. If my version of an artist date is spending quality, undocumented time with my dad, then that is exactly what it is.
I am realizing that true creative energy doesn't just come from isolating yourself to brainstorm content ideas; it comes from deeply connecting with the people around you without worrying about how it looks on the "Frontstage."
As we head into the final week of this project, I am feeling incredibly grounded. Breaking the rules felt really, really good.