Here is a little challenge to create some wellness by design. Start by taking three to five books that you love or ones you keep accessible. One at a time open each book to a random page and read the first paragraph or whole page that draws your eye. Next, write down a quick sentence or two about what you read in a notebook. You can write the book title next to the description if you’d like. Once the summaries are written notice if there are similarities to what you have randomly accumulated from your chosen books. You may be surprised to find that those excerpts have a common thread and most likely a message for you. Interpret it how you may, but just enjoy the exercise.

My well-loved copy of “The Artist’s Way”

“The Artist’s Way,” is an important read for anyone considering making changes in their life. In twelve week pattern changes can occur including; learning a new skill, starting a business, changing careers or creating a wellness plan. “The Artist’s Way” is not exclusive to artists as we are all the creators of our life experiences. This book is a guide for uncovering true desires and creating a plan to use personal strengths for greatness. The questions and quotes throughout the book can be helpful motivators to stay on track with the process.

A popular exercise from “The Artist’s Way” is “morning pages,” which consists of at least three pages of free writing. This is writing without stopping and void of proper grammar and punctuation. These pages are not intended to be reread or edited. The purpose of morning pages is to clear the mental clutter to reduce distractions from the tasks of the day. Morning pages can actually help reduce stress and anxiety since random thoughts, worries and to-do lists can take up a lot of mental bandwidth. Taking a few minutes each morning can create a positive routine to get your problem solving, genius juices flowing to be highly productive throughout the day.

Here are some quotes form “The Artist’s Way;”

“I shut my eyes in order to see.” - Paul Gauguin

“Art? You just do it.” - Martin Ritt

“Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don’t live it, it won’t come out your horn.” - Charlie Parker

Wellness By Design

"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron