Welcome to Week 2 of our creative recovery journey! Before we dive into this week's exploration, let's honestly check in on how Week 1 went.
Week 1 Reflection
Take a moment to consider these questions:
1. How many days this week did you do your morning pages? Seven out of seven is the goal, but progress over perfection always. I love the feeling of a Seven Day Streak, even if some of them turn into Afternoon or Evening Pages.
2. Did you do your artist date this week? What did you do? How did it feel to prioritise yourself for those two hours?
3. Were there any other significant moments in your recovery this week? Resistance, insights, or surprises?
If you haven't had your perfect 7-day streak, don't let that become your reason to quit. You wouldn't get a flat tyre and then slash the other three, would you? You wouldn't scratch your phone screen and then take a hammer to it because it's "already damaged."
Yet that's exactly what we do with our creative recovery. Miss two days of morning pages and suddenly we're "bad at this" and might as well give up entirely.
Here's the truth: Inconsistent practice is still practice. Three days of morning pages this week is infinitely better than zero days next week because you decided you'd already "failed."
This Week's Big Question: Identity
Week 2 in Cameron's program focuses on a fundamental question that many of us have forgotten how to answer: Who are you when you strip away all the roles you play for others?
In my experience facilitating this work, this is often where things get interesting. And by interesting, I mean potentially uncomfortable.
What I've Noticed Happens in Week 2
As you continue your morning pages and start prioritising creative time for yourself, you might notice some pushback, both internal and external.
Internal pushback sounds like:
"This is selfish"
"I don't have time for this"
"What's the point?"
"I should be doing something more productive"
External pushback might come from:
Family members who suddenly need more from you when you're busy with morning pages
Friends who seem less supportive of your new practices than you expected
People who make comments about your "new phase"
Here's what I've learned: When you start choosing yourself consistently, it makes others uncomfortable because it highlights where they're not choosing themselves.
The People Who Show Their True Colours
One of the most eye-opening aspects of this process is discovering how people respond to your growth.
Some friends will cheer you on. Others might subtly (or not so subtly) try to pull you back into old patterns. Pay attention to who says what when you mention your morning pages or artist dates.
The people who consistently make you feel bad about prioritising your creative wellbeing? Those relationships need examining.
The people who encourage your growth and ask thoughtful questions about your journey? Those are your allies.
This Week's Exploration
Keep up your daily practices:
Morning pages (those three pages of whatever's on your mind)
Weekly artist date (your solo creative time)
For Week 2 reflection, consider:
What parts of yourself do you hide to keep the peace?
When did you last do something purely because YOU wanted to?
What would you try if you knew no one would judge you?
Who were you before you became who everyone needed you to be?
Practical exercises:
Make a list of activities you genuinely enjoy (not "should" enjoy)
Notice when you automatically say yes to requests, what would happen if you paused first?
Pay attention to which relationships energise you vs. drain you
Experiment with one small boundary this week
What Chapter 2 Is Really About
Rather than spoiling Cameron's insights, I'll say this: Chapter 2 is about remembering that you're allowed to have preferences, opinions, and desires that aren't centred on serving others.
If you have the book, read the chapter and see what resonates with you. If you don't have it yet, the themes will still emerge through your morning pages and creative practice.
The Discomfort Is Normal
If this week feels unsettling, you're probably doing it right. Reclaiming your identity after years of defining yourself through others' needs can feel destabilising at first.
Your morning pages might become more emotional. Your artist date might feel awkward or guilt-inducing. You might notice tension in relationships where there wasn't tension before.
This isn't a sign you should stop; it's a sign that something important is shifting.
What's Coming Up For You?
I'm curious about your experience in Week 2. Are you noticing resistance from others as you protect your creative time? What parts of your identity are you rediscovering? What feels scary about defining yourself on your own terms?
Share your insights either in the comments below or in our chat room here.
Remember: Your authentic self isn't selfish—it's essential.
Daily check-ins: Don't forget our group chat where you can simply write "DONE" when you complete your morning pages, or share any insights that feel important to your journey.
Next week: We'll explore taking responsibility for your creative life and moving from a victim to a creator mindset.