Have you taken yourself on a date lately?
Julia Cameron, author of The Artist Way, encourages all creatives to do three things each week: morning pages (freestyle journaling each morning for three pages), 20 minute walks daily, and artist dates. Although we may not view ourselves as “creative”, these are amazing weekly activities we all should participate in. The idea of taking ourselves on a date, may feel awkward. We tend to only try new restaurants, see shows or films, or go to museums in the company of others. There is nothing wrong with having dates with others, but it’s also important to date ourselves. When we date someone, intimacy develops. We peak into the other’s likes, dislikes, passions, interests, dreams through deep conversations, exploration, adventure, and a sense of wandering. It is vital we do this with ourselves.
Artist dates do not have to equate with going to a museum, writing conference, or painting class (although it can). I tend to view these dates as a form of self-care, it could include everything from a much needed massage, to a walk along a beach, sitting in a coffee shop sipping a latte, or going for a hike. We simply need to be intentional with these acts, and inquire within to listen what our heart’s desire longs for this week. And enjoy. Lavish in the date.
During the lockdown, I admit my artist dates were not so unique. They included such things as making a new cuisine for myself (in which I splurged on ingredients for), watching a film on Netflix uninterrupted, coloring in my hygge adult coloring book, and sitting in the park reading a book. Yet, on my recent trip, I engaged in numerous artist dates. I couldn’t wait to report back to my virtual Artist Way group about them. These included numerous hikes, coffee shop visits with journaling time, a West End show, street art walking tour, and a front row seat at the Pump Room (a Bath restaurant from the late 1700s) where a musical trio performed. Artist Dates inspire us to live a more enriched life, and appreciate the small moments. We may find that we are content with living a luxurious life, that doesn’t really cost much money. We don’t have to wait to live the life we want. We are already living it.
So I encourage you readers to take time out for yourself this week. Treat yourself to an artist date. Share with me what you did!!!
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It Only Takes A Smile 