Morning Walks and Creative Habits

The drawing here was part of a wonderful morning.
The day started early with dropping my husband off at the train station. After that, I decided to kick off the day with a peaceful walk in nature, in “my forest” close to our home.

Every time I walk here, I’m reminded of how happy I am to have moved from Amsterdam to Amersfoort. It’s such a joy to enjoy nature, listen to the birds and the frogs, and soak in the many other forest sounds.

Speaking of starting the day, I’ve been thinking a lot about morning habits lately. If you’ve read my book, you know how much I value habits and rituals. They can lead you to discover exciting things and make your day feel meaningful right from the start.

Starting my day without devices, taking some time in the garden or doing a small chore, grounds me and gets me ready for the day. This was inspired by a Buddhist monk’s video I watched years ago.

And of course, I never forget my creative habit – drawing! I have my sketchbook with me, and a quick drawing session always brings me calm and joy. Even just 10 minutes of drawing can transform my day.

So, I encourage you to find those moments for yourself, especially in the mornings. Savor your coffee, take a breath, and maybe pick up your pen before you pick up your phone. It doesn’t take much time, but it makes all the difference.

If you'd like to see more about my morning walks and thoughts on creative habits, I’ve posted a video on my Patreon Page. In that video, I share the drawing process of this particular “morning meditation”.
Sign up to watch the video, and to get more inspiration for your creative journey and finding joy in the everyday moments!