How a Daily Writing Practice Helps Me Respond with Integrity
pen from my art supplies icon collection
If you’re a creative, you’ve probably heard of The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – if not, I highly recommend it. One of its many great suggestions is the practice of “morning pages” where you write three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness thoughts—a kind of brain dump that helps clear your mind and tap into creativity.
There are days when I still need that brain dump, but more often, I've found a practice that works better for me. Each morning, I write down the following on one page:
· Vision: The first thing I’ve been writing is quiet told me… to record thoughts that emerge from quiet time practice, then any positive thoughts I want to incorporate in my life and a quick written visualization of what I want.
· Goal: My monthly intention, to keep my focus clear on what I’m working toward.
· Dream: When I remember them, I jot down my dreams to study patterns and gain insights.
· Thank You: Gratitude is like magic—it boosts my outlook when I reflect on the good things that happened the day before.
This might seem like a lot, but it's a habit that brings clarity and helps me stay grounded. If you'd like to give it a try, you can download a pdf by clicking on either image below.
Let me share a recent experience that illustrates how this practice has impacted me:
I recently attended BYU’s Education Week, filled with enrichment lectures. One day, I found myself in a lovely communications lecture that ended with an exercise to talk with your neighbor. The gentleman on one side of me and the lady on the other quickly found partners, leaving me alone. This triggered memories of feeling ignored and invisible—being short and of a darker complexion, I stick out but sometimes feel unseen. I tried hard not to take it personally and reminded myself to be kind.
On my way to the next class, still feeling on edge, I was trying to calm myself with deep breaths when someone accidentally tripped me. My first thought was, "Great, just what I needed!" But in a split second, I saw my options: the old Cristina would have taken all the blame, even when it wasn’t my fault. Calm Cristina might have responded to the "Are you okay?" with something witty. But triggered Cristina chose to take care of herself and just kept going.
When I got to my next lecture, I found myself sitting next to someone I instantly related to—a contrast blessing that eased my inner turbulence in a minute.
How my daily pages actually look, I use leftover composition books from my kids, upcycling all the way! Just wanted to make pretty ones for you above.
What does this have to do with my morning page practice? Earlier that day I have written about what I heard the day before: to remember to see my part in everything that happens, to act from integrity and compassion and the simple fact that I choose how I respond.
So, writing brings awareness that has allowed me to feel my emotions instead of dismissing them. It’s helped me choose my reactions and be okay with them, even if they aren’t always the most polite in the eyes of others. It’s about self-care.
Gratitude has made me more aware of the good in others, and I believe it also helps me connect with like-minded people.
I used to understand the concept of choosing my actions, but choosing my reactions was much harder to internalize. This practice has helped me notice, feel, and choose actions that I am ok with.
So, what are YOU choosing today?