A daily writing practice

Morning Pages

Three pages of handwritten, unfiltered writing, done first thing each morning. It isn't journaling or “real” writing. It's a way to clear out mental clutter so you start the day with a quieter, clearer mind.

Download the handout (PDF) 1 page, letter size.

3 pages

letter-size paper

By hand

pen and paper, no typing

First thing

before your phone or email

20–45 min

gets quicker with practice

How to do them

1
Keep the pen moving. Don't stop to think, edit, or fix spelling. Stuck? Write “I don't know what to write” until something comes.
2
Anything goes. Worries, to-do lists, complaints, dreams, boring details. There is no wrong content.
3
Fill all three pages. Stop when you reach the end of page three, not before.
4
Don't reread them yet. Set them aside for the first several weeks. They're for letting go, not reviewing.
5
Keep them private. No one else reads them, so there's no one to write for.
6
Missed a day? Just start again tomorrow. There's no need to make up pages.

What to expect

Weeks 1–2

It may feel tedious, repetitive, or pointless. That's normal. Keep going.

Weeks 3–6

Patterns start to surface: recurring worries, things you want, new ideas. Many people feel lighter during the day.

All along

“This is silly” and “I don't have time” are part of the process. Notice the thought, then write anyway.

Make it easier

Keep a notebook and pen by your bed or coffee maker.
Let it be messy. Plain and unpolished is the point.
Write what's there instead of solving problems or setting goals.

Skip: typing, writing at night, writing as if someone will read it.

Pair it with an Artist Date

Once a week, take yourself on a solo outing of about two hours: a museum, a new walk, a favorite shop. Morning pages let things out; the Artist Date takes new things in.

There's no way to do this wrong, as long as you keep showing up.