Journaling #2 | Morning Pages Q&A
Good morning, this is Asato, a life coach with a journal.
This is my second blog post on Journaling series! Last month, I shared about Morning Pages and our 21 days challenge attempt.
In today’s article, I want to share some of the Q & A that I received from the friend who joined me on the wagon. Also, I will share how our 21 days of Morning Challenges went!
Morning Pages challenge!
My friend who was curious about this journaling method texted me in January, and we decided to try “21 days challenge” together.
I’ve already shared “what is Morning Pages” in the article below. Please check it before you go ahead.
Otherwise, in short, this is what we did!
Write three pages a day
Preferably in the morning, but since we are both working mama, we applied our rule to complete three pages in a day
No need to go back and read the old entries
Very simple! Write three pages in a day!
Some questions that came up!
For those of you who might be interested in giving it a go, here are several chats I had with friends on the topic.
Please take note that I am just a journaling fan, not an expert. For more details, you should refer to the book “The Artist’s Way” written by Julia Cameron.
So the answers are my version and how I’m incorporating this journaling method as a passionate fan! Please take them with a grain of salt, and find what resonates with you.
Q: Do I need to decide what topic to write about?
No, this method is more focused on brain dumping.
Rather than deciding what topic, just write whatever that comes up in your mind. In this way, you will be surprised by what comes out of your brain!
The friend who joined told me that she doubted if there’s enough things to write for 21 days. But she ended up being surprised how so many thoughts and ideas came up and she ended up filling all the pages without fail.
Q: What kind of notebook should I use?
No need to get anything specific! Just start with what’s at home.
In the book, writing on A4 size (the same as printing paper) is recommended as it gives us plenty of space to write. It makes sense but writing on A4 paper is quite a work. Plus, A4 is not a standard notebook size that you’ll find sitting in your cabinet.
Rather than focusing on the size, I would recommend using your favorite notebook so that the joy of using a pretty one motivates you.
Q. Why three pages?
Because something exciting comes out by the third page.
It is mentioned in the book. Writing three pages is quite challenging. 1st pages might be fun, but you feel like you’ve exhausted with things to write mid way through. But once you push yourself to fill up the pages, your hidden idea or desire starts to come out.
Q: How long does it take?
It depends on how fast you can write.
From my experience, knowing that I write quite fast, it takes 35-45 minutes for me to fill up three pages. I also noticed when I write in the evening, I’m too tired and less focused. It can go up to 60 minutes.
My friend who joined the challenge also mentioned it was around 50 - 55 minutes activity for her.
Q. 45 minutes sounds too much!!! Is it worth the time?
Yes, it does sound like a big task. But, it is definitely worth it.
Taking 45 - 60 minutes to yourself, to reflect and journal about your life, will surely give you some insights!
For me, this challenge in January gave me motivation and sped up the pace of starting my own business. I ended up registering my company in February!
Q. But 45 minutes!!! How can I find the time?
Good question. In the book, it is recommended to write 3 pages just as you wake up. When you are still in half dream, before exposing yourselves with exterior information.
Yes, it is ideal. But is it doable for me/you? Maybe not.
So my version is simple: do what works! Here are how my days looked like during the challenge.
Write one page in the morning while waiting for laptop to open
Write one page during the day if I’m lucky to find a pocket of time (ex. lunch break, before school pickup, while cooking is in progress but I can leave the stove top for a while)
Write one page in the evening after putting the boys to bed
If I failed to write at all in the day, I wrote three pages in the evening while rubbing my eyes
I fully understand that morning is better & three pages at one shot is better. But rather than focusing on perfect Morning Pages style and failing in a couple of days, do what works!
FYI, my friend also noticed it’s impossible to write in the morning, it became a habit for her to sit down and write after her dinner.
Q. Maybe typing is easier and faster?
As I’m a strong believer of “Do what works for you”, if you prefer to type on a laptop, go ahead. It would be better than not giving it a go.
But as a passionate journaling person, I must say that there is something magical about writing by hand. Perhaps because it takes a little longer, you get to digest your thoughts better.
Which reminds me of this quote.
Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and fingertips. - Dawson Trotman
In addition, I prefer not to touch my computer early in the morning or late evening. I use them already too much. Sitting with my favorite pen and pretty notebooks is more for me.
Q. Should I also do 21 days?
You don’t have to, but I recommend making it for a certain period. 7days, 21 days, a month.
Because only one day is not enough to experience the power of this journaling method. It’s just too much especially on the first day and you will end up quitting. You should at least continue for a week to get the hung of it.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner, I recommend starting as a XX days challenge. Having the end in mind will motivate you during the tough phase. This was my 4th challenge, but if there was no end day to look forward to, I don’t think I can keep up.
So let’s get your notebook out!
I hope my newsletter gave you some insights on what Morning Pages is and that you have the urge to pick up your pen right now!
All I can say is do what works for you, because something is better than nothing. Don’t be too perfectionist on how it should be.
Full disclosure, during the 21 days, I accidentally skipped one day. (Long day with kids + a glass of wine put me down) After confessing to my accountability partner, I did not give up. I just picked up the pen the next day, and my last day was extended for a day.
If you also want to give it a go but need an accountability partner to run the writing marathon with you, simply share this post with your friends!
Today’s journaling prompt: Let’s give it a go and brain dump for three pages!