22 Comments

That book has been on my list for so long. But I always think "but I already know about morning pages and the artist date" so I always think I don't have to read it anymore because I know the key learnings from it. I might be completely wrong?? But that's why it always gets shoved to the end of the list and I choose something else to read instead. Would be keen to hear your thoughts on that.

Also, that looks like way too much pastrami for one bagel.

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Hey Sophie! It’s more of a workbook/course than something you read straight through. I’m enjoying it and learning, so I’d recommend it! Morning pages and artist date are not the only learnings. Each chapter touches on different concepts to help unblock creativity. I just started so these are the first few things I’ve learned, but I’m planning to share future learning/experiences as they come up. However, if it’s not your cup of tea, don’t force yourself. ;) And yes, lots of pastrami. It was so good though! I gobbled it up. Haha.

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Oh ok, sounds like more a book to buy and go through then rather then listen to it on audible (which is how I consume most of my books). Thanks for the tip!

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No prob! Yes, def a book to buy and flick through. I first bought it on kindle and then realized I need the hard copy. 😉

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Sep 16Liked by Alexis Damen

So good. Especially the "You're funnier than you think," part. I agree wholeheartedly with that.

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Thanks, Brian!! 🙏🏻

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Sep 10Liked by Alexis Damen

How freaky! I too am on chapter 2 this week. I started with a friend after she mentioned it and I said the same thing as @sophie S.

Thanks for sharing!

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You’re welcome! I’m sharing reflections each week (at least I hope to!) so feel free to follow along. 😊

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Thank you for sharing your lessons from the workbook! I tried the morning pages and it helped unclog (or prime) the brain and everything else in the morning before I wrote articles. I should try that exercise again because it was really helpful! Thank you for your insightful shares!

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No problem! Lmk how it goes!!

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Read the book and did the exercises about 20 years ago. It changed my life! I've recommended it to numerous people since. Keep working your way through the book!

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I’m on it!! Do you still do the morning pages and artist dates these days?

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I haven’t read but I’ve wanted to read it so long. Someone here suggested me to read it, recently. Will take your post as the second sign and get the book. But I kind of already do morning pages. Am still processing my mind on doing solo dates. Keep us posted about your learnings, Alexis. I think it will inspire me.

Oh I love Creative Habit, by Twyla Tharp. It has an interesting perspective of making creativity a habit.

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Let me know what you think once you get the book! The solo dates are really nice! But I am so one who enjoys a lot of alone time. I recommend trying it at least once! ;) I’ll check the book you mentioned, thanks for that! ❤️

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Sep 6Liked by Alexis Damen

Alexis, it's nice that you've chosen to write about it. I too had started the book about 8 weeks ago. Been going at a slower pace. But, what I'm seeing here is that writing about it helps internalize the experience. I've noticed that there are some things that I've forgotten about already. Not that it's not in my learning, but it's slipped from memory.

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I’m glad you found this post helpful! That was my thought too, that if I write about it (even briefly) it will stick more! I guess that’s why I write in general — to work out my thoughts and makes sense of them. ☺️ How has your experience been so far? What has been your favorite artist date?

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Sep 6Liked by Alexis Damen

My experience has been very good. Because most things I discover about myself are things I had hidden from fear of getting ostracized. I only wish I could figure out a way of going at par in terms of pace. Going too slow makes me wonder if the activities will be less effective.

Hmm, my favorite artist date. To be honest I did just three, given my pace. None of them were super extreme, but it has always been something pleasant. One that I liked was going to an old school cafe in SF and reading, during a work week.

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That sounds like a lovely artist date! I think go at the pace that works for you. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. ☺️

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Thank you so much for that post - so informative and helpful. I haven't read that book yet, but it's been on my radar for a while now and I've heard good things about it. Thanks to you I'll be ordering it now after typing this reply... I especially love the idea of the Artist Date - I think I might've been doing this without really realising it, so it would be good to make it more of a conscious thing.

Also...that bagel...!

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I’m glad you liked the post! I also think I was going on artist dates without realizing it. I love my alone time. Haha. Once you get the hook, lmk how you like it! And yesssss. Amazing bagel! 🥯

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Meant to say “book” not “hook” 🤦🏻‍♀️

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