When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is in itself a choice.
William James
I have read The Artist’s Way many times, and I decided it was time to reread, “Recovering a Sense of Identity”—which addresses “self-definition as a major component of creative recovery. You may find yourself drawing new boundaries and staking out new territories as your personal needs, desires and interests announce themselves.”
- This post includes some of my notes as I prioritize and tend to what I need.
- I have included some details that make my life full.
- Self-devotion is the June theme; my focus is to prioritize what I need.
Every time you don’t follow your inner guidance, you feel a loss of energy, loss of power, a sense of spiritual deadness.
Sharti Gawain
I am in the midst of a ever-evolving reframe with regard to how I define myself. This involves a reset of priorities and how I redefine my-self in the midst of tidal waves of grief:
- hopes that have repeatedly not manifested
- what is not meant to be at this time (and perhaps, never)
- years (and years) of loss and accepting what cannot be changed
🛎️ The Right Brain Planner guide words for May were [new 🙌 freedom] and that helped me to 🔎 focus on 🆕 ways to process my sorrow 🤸🏽 (with a new freedom).
- I am currently writing in a “both sides now” journal, with an intention of tending to what I need in the dark and the light. 🌓 A means of holding space with difficult emotions/realities with love and acceptance (instead of impatience and shame).
- There is a backstory that I shared here, along with a free copy of my tracking template.
You will learn that it is actually easier to write than not write, paint than not paint, and so forth. … You will discover the joy of practicing your creativity.
Julia Cameron
Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
When you sit there and wish things had happened differently, you can’t just wish away the bad stuff. You have to think about all the good stuff you might lose, too. Better just to stay in the now and focus on what you can do better in the future.
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Staying in the [Now], refining how I define my identity along with giving time and attention to the concept of ikigai is my current plan. 💭 Plan … wish? intention? aspiration?
[Becoming] an artist consists of learning to accept yourself, which makes your work personal, and in following your own voice, which makes your work distinctive.
Art & Fear, by David Bayles and Ted Orland
Braveheart, what are you speaking about your-self, your identity, abilities and goals?
I hope you will set aside time to listen for answers from within, with discernment; liberate your-self from unnecessary demands and the expectations of others (and hopes that may not manifest).
I have learned to pay attention to right now. The precise moment I was in was always the only safe place for me. Each moment, taken alone, was always bearable.
Julia Cameron
Thank you kindly for your presence here, Braveheart. 💗
I appreciate your interest and support.
~love & good wishes~
2025 Right Brain Planner theme is [Chapters 📖 The Magic of Your Story Unfolding]. I publish cyclical resources + quarterly guides with art and instructional content. ✨
Right Brain Planning Basics | Day One Guide | Guide 3 (available July 2025) | Guide 4
⭐️ I am an artist and curator; I am one who communicates with color, found words and collage, inky marks and doodles as I cycle like the moon (as my calendar), chronicling oracles and abiding with the sky as a meditation.
⭐️ I host creative communities, safe spaces for gathering and sharing. I choose love and creativity for coping with the ongoing challenges of this world and I go to work—not because everything is fine but because I believe art heals.
❤️ Braveheart, as the Creator/Artist of Right Brain Planner I am ever-grateful to have the opportunity to share my creative work online + support other creators! 🎉 For almost 20 years I have had the privilege of sharing my art and writing about right brain planning while also hosting kindred 👭🏽💞👭 communities. ✨ I consider it an absolute delight to continue this portion of my creative work (even as I retire from full-time work).
- This is possible, in part, by {you} and your presence here. But also because of the support of my Ko-fi patrons and the other member/subscriber communities I host (via their presence, input and paid subscriptions). 🫶