It’s one thing to get clear on our WHY when it comes to wanting to establish a creative practice. It’s another thing completely to figure out the HOW.

I’m not alone here, am I? 

I was born knowing I was meant to create. And like a good little girl, I did all the logical things that would help me do that: I learned how to read. Then I learned how to write. Then I learned how to read like a writer. I went to school. I kept reading. I kept learning how to write. And on, and on.

None of it told me how to get started. Because it wasn’t the technical aspects of writing that were keeping me from doing the work. Nor was it lack of inspiration. I had so many stories and people swirling around in my head that my brain sometimes felt like it was too overloaded and that was why I couldn’t get any of down on paper in a way that made sense. 

But honestly, it was none of that. 

It was about unlearning all the things I’d been taught. Things like: 

You don’t deserve to do what lights you up.

It’s unrealistic to think you can make money writing books. 

You have responsibilities.

You better get your head out of the clouds and focus on something practical. 

Stop wasting your time doodling/daydreaming and do something productive. 

There are a million variations of these statements, but if any of them sound familiar, I want you to pay attention. I want you to notice how it feels in your body to read those words. 

For me, it brings up shame. Anger. Frustration. Shame for wanting something I was being told I couldn’t have, was not good enough to have, and shouldn’t bother wanting. Anger that someone had pissed on my dreams. Frustration because I didn’t know how to get out of that mindset to move forward, even once I realized that none of it was even remotely true. 

The good news? There’s a way out. 

The bad news? It takes a lot of work. 

The work starts with picking up a journal and a pen and writing down the stories you’ve been told about your creative dreams. This is a process. It probably won’t be easy. But it’s important.

Because then you’re going to turn the page and write a new story. 

Self-introspective journaling is a pillar of a strong creative practice. It’s the foundation for the work you’re meant to bring into the world. It continues to be the one practice I will never go without. 

If you’ve been feeling stuck, try this. Take your time with it. Be gentle with yourself. Just telling the old stories is a way to move the energy. And writing new ones—well, it’s putting your future down on paper.