04/28/2026
Excerpt from this month's Ten Ox newsletter...
"One practice I’ve implemented for many years comes from Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way.”
It’s called an “Artist’s Date,” and is, as she puts it, “a once-weekly adventure to do something fun" that is "solo, festive, and designed to fill your well" with inspiration.”
I found that a weekly date wasn’t sustainable with my schedule, so I’ve found that a monthly cadence is do-able. And, even at that pace, it’s a monthly struggle to make time for my inner artist, placing it as important among the many external demands of life.
Last week was just such a case. I was planning to go to the HOPE Outdoor Graffiti gallery - something I’ve been excited to explore for quite some time.
When it came to embark on the Artist Date, I looked it up on Google Maps, 23 minutes away!—and quickly started to pivot and make excuses. Maybe I could just swing by somewhere close and just keep it short. My wife and son needed my support, and that would give me time to help out at the house. Besides, I had a long to-do list, a newsletter to write, etc. I felt my spirit slump in the driver seat. The “be productive” part in me was winning the argument.
And then I felt a quiet voice whisper ‘GO’ - and I just committed. 23 minutes, who cares!
Five minutes down the road, the joyous sense of ADVENTURE kicked in. I still felt all the demands, the excuses, the “better” uses of my time - but I also felt an immediate ping of celebration as my inner artist got the message - I am worth 23 minutes of inconvenience! I am important! Play is important! Yay!
For my inner artist and I to have a strong, harmonious relationship—I have to show up. Which brings me to...
Saturday, May 30, I am hosting an in-person retreat called “Make Friends With Your Mind.” I will lead us through several tools and exercises all designed to explore and get to know your inner world.
We live in a busy world, with many demands on our time. And we all have parts of us that have been neglected, and are just waiting for the validation of saying YES, YOU ARE WORTH MY TIME.
🧘🏻♂️🪷❤️
Link in bio to read the rest of the newsletter or to register for the retreat!