Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic basically jumped into my arms at the airport book store. The bright colors I admit grabbed my attention but it did literally fall of the shelf into my arms. I basically had to buy it; I couldn’t tell the universe no! This book is such a fascinating read, I was cover-to-cover when my plane landed. For all creatives (a writer, painter, designer, creative thinker, etc.) this book is a must. Why?
Elizabeth does this amazing thing where she shifts your perspective. She reminds you of the 2 most important things to remember while creating:
▸ devotion- creativity isn’t going to happen if you don’t get yourself in your studio/desk chair/work place
▸ a balance of lightheartedness and seriousness– enjoy the process as you press forward, explore and create
As I read, I was highlighting and underlining like a mad person. This book is heavy with quotes and words you need to engrain in your brain. Here are some of the best:
“..it seems to me that my fear and my creativity are basically conjoined twins- as evidenced by the fact that creativity cannot take a single step forward without fear marching right alongside it.”
Wow– I know, right?
“Pure creativity is something better than a necessity; its a gift. It’s the frosting. Our creativity is a wild and unexpected bonus from the universe.”
Yeah, we are THAT lucky!
“Trust me. Your soul has been waiting for you to wake up to your own existence for years.”
“Just because creativity is mystical doesn’t mean it shouldn’t also be demystified– especially if it means liberating artists from the confines of their own grandiosity, panic, and ego.”
“You can measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes or failures.”
“Everybody imitates before they can innovate.”
These are strong words to new artists fearful to give it a go.
“My creative expression must be the most important thing in the world to me (if I am to live artistically), and it also must not matter at all (if I am to live sanely).”
And lastly….
“So relax a bit, is what I’m saying.
Please try to relax.
Otherwise, what’s the point of having all these wonderful senses in the first place?”
Man, she is GOOD!
