Ok, it’s not the new year. It’s February. mid-February specifically. And once again I’m trying to work on making some practices a regular habit. I’m not really trying to do a new year, new me thing complete with 10 goals to accomplish. Instead I’m continuing to add in more reading, writing, and being creative. I was actually very successful at making reading a habit the last few years. I ended 2024 with 45 books read, I think. Forty something for sure. This year I made a goal of 40, just to leave some leeway. And I am already on book 5 for the year.

Writing hasn’t exactly been a strong habit in quite a few years. But last fall I joined a group doing the Artist’s Way-which is kind of atypical for me. A group activity? No, I tend to spend more time doing things alone. The Artist’s Way, written by Julia Cameron, encourages practices to get back to creativity. In the book The Artist’s Way, the author encourages writing morning pages. It’s supposed to be first thing in the morning and about 3 pages in a stream of consciousness fashion. I started doing that, and with the exception of days I work, I have been pretty good at sticking to it. But doesn’t usually end up being 3 pages and often is a review of what I need to get done for the day.  But it is a pretty regular writing habit.

Being creative is another aspect of the Artist’s Way. Every week, you’re supposed to make an artist’s date for yourself and do something creative. Maybe you go to a museum or paint or sew or take a dance class. That’s been an activity I really needed more of in my every day. Sometimes I make a little craft like a holiday wreath. I often make it an actual date between my husband and I where we go to an art centered thing.

2025 has begun in a kind of depressing whirlwind of events. It’s been a lot. And pretty overwhelming. I think it’s just the right time to reach for the tools that help me which just so happen to be things I mentioned here.

So here’s to blogging occasionally, reading a lot and trying to enjoy my inner creativity.