A Date With Myself

WHO IS FAMILIAR WITH JULIA CAMERON’S THE ARTIST’S WAY?

I found this map I made in one of my sketchbooks. I cannot remember when or where, but it's years old. It shows what the dates with myself have taught me over the years.

The Artist's Way is a book on the subject of creativity - a spiritual manual for creative recovery. I read it in 1992 when it was first published. I loved the idea of the morning pages, which I kept up for years. But what has stayed with me ever since is the Artist’s Date, a preplanned "play date” with yourself (must be done solo), designed to replenish your inspiration and wonder, rather than focusing on productivity. Although I can be quite sociable, I realised quite early that once I overcame my fears I really enjoyed sitting with myself and my feelings. I should say here that I had already started psychotherapy.

I remember the first time I took myself out to dinner. Yes, it felt awkward, but I had a book with me and got lost in it. The next time felt so much more comfortable. And then one day, (I had always travelled with friends or boyfriends) a friend got ill the night before our flight to France. I panicked. What to do? I know, go on the trip by myself. It was a real revelation. I LOVED it! 

Did it come easily straight away? No, of course not. But baby steps allowed me to feel a little anxious and still do it. On that trip, I also went to the cinema alone (I had done that before). 

There is something about being 'in the moment', even if feeling a little nervous. I also realised that no one was looking at me strangely (a big fear for many). People are far too busy with themselves and now with their smartphones. This was before mobile phones.

I should say that in my early 20's I travelled for work quite extensively around Europe. However, I was always around people, agents and designers. Yes, there was the odd evening alone in Milan, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Copenhagen or Paris. I don't quite remember what I did. I probably ordered food and stayed in my hotel room.

I never took a year out to travel the world, and those who have will know what I'm talking about. It does teach you so much.

This list is by no means finite. It's just what I wrote in my sketchbook back then what a date with myself taught me..

I now do artist's days regularly to get me unstuck, to remind me of the beauty of life and the appreciation and gratitude of being able to do them. These days I find it rather easy to go everywhere alone and in fact still prefer a date with myself in the cinema or theatre. There are walks, solo expeditions somewhere, often checking out something new or something yet undiscovered. Anything to fill my inner well of inspiration.

Thank you Julia.