It’s not easy being a full time artist, drummer, handyman, and family member that currently has a teenage artist who needs time and emotional support from their parents.

One thing that helps me to focus and be available to be creative is writing the morning pages. Most days, I’ll wake up between five or six, make some coffee, and go downstairs for the ritual.

I start by writing three pages, whatever is up there. “Nobody took the trash out. I missed a deadline. I am grateful for X. I wish I was better at Y. I like this, I dont like that” sometimes I will remember a dream and write that down. The point is to try and empty my head so that I can have space for what needs to get done. I have been writing the pages almost every day since early January of 2025 and they have made a big difference to me this year. This exercise came to me from doing an Artists Way group. The Artist Way is a book by Julia Cameron that is a twelve week course designed to unblock creative energy, and I can attest that it works.

After the pages, I will use my watercolors to attempt a painting of a flower. Flowers are the universe’s way of telling us it is not cynical. Painting one, is my daily ode to the creator, who gave me the gift of creativity. Being creative and painting the flower is my gift back to it.

At this point, it is time to take care of the dogs, eat breakfast and get going with the day. Doing this ritual helps keep me focused on what is important, My family, spirituality, creativity, relationships, health and financial responsibilities. Give it a try!