Summary

The author is preparing to embark on a week-long reading fast, inspired by Julia Cameron's book "The Artist's Way," to explore the impact of abstaining from reading on their creativity and personal growth.

Abstract

The author has decided to take on a unique challenge: abstaining from reading for an entire week. This decision was prompted by a suggestion in Julia Cameron's book "The Artist's Way," which initially struck the author as absurd. After reflecting on the various excuses one might make to avoid such a challenge and recognizing them in themselves, the author has decided to commit to the experiment. The upcoming school holidays provide a perfect opportunity to start this challenge, as it coincides with a natural break in the author's routine. The author plans to refrain from reading any words except for essential safety-related information, such as traffic signs and food labels for allergens. The purpose of this self-imposed reading fast is to explore its effects on the author's creativity and daily life. The author acknowledges a deep love for reading and expresses both apprehension and determination in facing the week ahead. They invite the audience to hold them accountable and express curiosity about the potential insights and experiences that may arise from this period of abstinence from reading.

Opinions

The author initially dismissed the idea of not reading for a week, finding it humorous and implausible.
After considering the challenge and their own excuses, the author shifted to a mindset of openness and willingness to experiment.
The author believes that words and reading are fundamental to their existence, likening them to air.
There is a sense of irony and self-awareness in the author's realization that they have used the same excuses as those listed by Julia Cameron.
The author views the challenge as an opportunity for personal growth and a test of their dependence on reading.
Despite the challenge, the author expresses a profound gratitude for the ability to read and does not take this skill for granted.
The author is prepared to miss the community's stories on Medium during the challenge and is eager to share the outcomes of the experience.

CHALLENGES | TANKAS

No Reading For a Week

Stepping into the unknown — prompted by Julia Cameron

Say what? No can’t be A whole week without reading? That sounds like madness I’m not sure I can survive Words are like the air I breath

First I said no way Then why not give it a go The timing works well School holidays do begin As the last bell Friday rings

For the first time since I can ever remember learning how to read, I am going to take a week off reading words.

I came across the challenge a few weeks back reading Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way.

When I first read the chapter, she suggested it in I laughed. As if. As if I could do that. Then I giggled more as I read through all the excuses she had heard over the years. I had said them all in my head in between my snorting laughter.

The book was suggested by the children’s writer Jen Storer. I have been slowly working through one of her online courses.

After my brain stopped laughing at me a few days later, I thought. Ok, I can do this.

It is only a week.

The words are not going anywhere.

They won’t disappear within a week.

So for the first week of the upcoming school holidays, I will not read a single word — besides traffic signs- oh and food labels to check for allergens — safety certainly is an exception, not an excuse.

Will let you know how I fare. If you see me highlighting and commented during next week, please be sure to kick my arse!

Catch you all on the flip side. I am going to miss all of your words here on Medium, trying my best to indulge in as many as I can before the self-imposed challenge starts. I mean, I could still say no right?

Thanks for reading — I can still say that right? I really, really, really love reading-so thankful I can! Is it not a waste not making use of this ability to read?! mmmm ok, No. I can do it.-really. Will see!!

Thanks for being you