How Morning Pages changed me ✨

[7 min read]

At the beginning of 2024, I got a book as a present from my sister and that had been recommended to me countless times: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. One of its core practices, writing morning pages, immediately spoke to me. As someone who’s been journaling daily since 2019, the idea of starting each day with writing pages of handwritten thoughts felt both familiar and refreshing.

Morning pages are a free-flowing journaling technique where you write whatever comes to mind first thing in the morning. There’s no judgment, no editing—just your pen, paper, and raw thoughts. Since adopting this practice, I’ve noticed profound changes in my mindset and creativity. I use the morning pages as a meditation to focus on the day. Not the past or the future, just today.

Here’s why I think everyone should try morning pages or journaling, plus five incredible benefits of making it part of your routine:

Five Benefits of Writing Morning Pages or Journaling

1. Declutters Your Mind

   Writing morning pages helps clear the mental fog and gives you a blank slate for the day. It’s like a brain dump, freeing up space for new ideas and focus.

2. Reduces Anxiety

   As someone prone to overthinking, I’ve found that pouring my worries or unhelpful thoughts onto the page helps me let them go. Writing allows me to process my emotions instead of carrying them around all day.

3. Boosts Creativity

   Morning pages help unlock creativity by removing the internal critic. By letting thoughts flow freely, I often stumble upon ideas or solutions I hadn’t considered before.

4. Tracks Personal Growth

   Journals become time capsules. Reading back through my old entries, I can see how far I’ve come—both in my personal life and creative journey. It’s a tangible reminder of progress. 

5. Improves Focus

   Starting my day with writing gives me a clear sense of direction. I feel calmer and more centered, which helps me tackle the day with intention instead of overwhelm.

My Personal Experience ✨

Morning pages have helped me tune out distractions and focus on what truly matters. They’re a form of self-care, a way to center myself before the demands of the day take over. Writing daily since 2019 has taught me discipline, but The Artist’s Way reminded me to approach it with playfulness too.

Ready to Start Your Journaling Journey?

All you need is a notebook, a pen, and a few minutes of your morning. Let the words flow, and don’t worry about making them perfect. What will you write about today? Whether it’s a creative idea, a to-do list, or a ramble about your dreams, let the page be your sanctuary ✨