The Artist’s Way Week 3 : Recovering A Sense of Power

Week 3 of The Artist’s Way, though about recovering a sense of power can feel like a breaking point. This is often when doubts creep in, and you may feel tempted to quit. But why?

Recovering A Sense Of Power

Anger

As you dig deeper into yourself, you might notice anger rising to the surface. As Gloria Steinem put it: “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.”

This anger can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even misplaced. Many of us are taught to suppress it, to bottle it up rather than express it. But anger isn’t an action—it’s an emotion. And like all emotions, it carries valuable information. Instead of pushing it down, we can use it as fuel to protect, heal, and take action in our own lives.

When I worked through Week 3, I felt anger too. At first, I wanted to ignore it, but I sat with it. I let it reveal the ways I had given my power away—to people, to situations, to patterns I no longer wanted. By acknowledging my feelings, I reclaimed my energy, distanced myself from unnecessary drama, and found more clarity and creativity.

What if, instead of fearing anger, we saw it as a guide? An invitation to take action?

Synchronicity

In Weeks 1 and 2, we explored how fear of uncertainty can keep us stuck in comfortable but limiting patterns. But what if your biggest dream was suddenly within reach? Would you be excited—or scared?

This week is about embracing possibility. Being open to synchronicity—the “meaningful coincidences” Carl Jung described. When we shift our mindset to believe in possibility, the world responds. The right book falls into our hands, a chance meeting sparks an idea, an opportunity arrives just in time.

Goethe put it best:
“Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace, and power in it.”

Exercises for Week 3

1. Inner Compass – Each of us has an internal guide that nudges us toward what’s right and warns us when something is off. Morning pages help connect with it, but so do other “artist-brain” activities—walking, painting, driving, scrubbing, running. This week, spend an hour on one of these and listen to what insights arise.
2. Who Do You Admire?
   • List five people you admire. Now, list five people you secretly admire.
   • List five historical figures you wish you had met. Now, list five you’d want to hang out with in eternity.
   • Compare the lists. Do they reflect what you truly admire or what you think you should admire? Maybe your head says Edison, but your heart says Houdini. This week, let yourself follow the Houdini side of you.

Above all—keep writing, keep exploring, and keep showing up for yourself. Transformation is happening, even when it feels uncomfortable.