How many days this week did you do your morning pages?
I did them five out of seven days. I give myself a C+.
Did you do your artist date this week?
Sure did. Brian sent me happily on my way to the local coffee shop on Sunday morning, where I sat for two hours reading and drinking chai. It was glorious. Did you experience any synchronicity this week? Yes. My dad gave me a book that gave me the tool I needed to unblock. And no, it wasn’t The Artist’s Way, but it has opened a whole new world of possibility for my Artist’s Way project. (See my next response.)
Were there any other issues this week that you consider significant for your recovery?
Yes. I read a book that literally has changed my life. The book is Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck. The author didn’t tell me anything that I hadn’t heard before in the hundred or so self-help books I’ve read; she just said it in a simple and concise way that made it all click for me. All of my life, I believed that I lacked any ability to write songs. I believed that people either had the talent to write songs or they didn’t. I believed myself to be an interpreter of songs, not a creator of songs. What is funny about this is I also believed that I could do anything or learn anything I put my mind to . . . well, except songwriting. I have always admired people who compose, and thought, “I wish that I could do that.” Well, why not? Of course my first songs will likely be total crap, but how else will I learn and get better at it? I am giddy with possibility.
I encourage you to visit the website linked above and read her book. You’ll be amazed at what you can do by just changing your mind.
2 Comments
I haven't read Dweck's book yet–it's sitting on my desk, but that's the desk I never sit at–but it's been such a bit topic around this school for the last few years that I feel like I have a pretty good handle on it. It's been an interesting lens to look at myself and my students and to (I hope) develop the growth mindset. All the best to you!
Of course you can write music!! Period!! This is exciting. Love your blog. Keep up the good work and 5 out of 7 days for morning pages is an A- at least. : )