I have to admit that I am not often drawn to the self help section of the bookstore. But, when I discovered that Elizabeth Gilbert’s latest book, Big Magic, was about creative living, I had to venture over to that side and grab a copy. Hoping for some inspiration, I was curious to see what this amazing author (I loved both Eat Pray Love and Committed) had to say on this topic. After quickly devouring it, I regretted not having a highlighter and sticky notes to mark passages that resonated with me…something I will make sure to do when I pick it up again. Was I inspired? Absolutely! I found that Gilbert’s advice was funny, down-to-earth and incredibly perceptive. What could have easily been a dry read was filled with cheerful anecdotes that left me excited to keep reading. The main points I took away were:
- everyone is “a creative”
- approach creativity with openness and curiosity
- stop setting unrealistic expectations and leave the drama behind
- you don’t need permission to be creatively legitimate – just create what compels you
- create FOR YOURSELF
- failing is a-ok and it’s going to happen, lots even!
In a world that seems to be driven more and more by likes and hits and shares, I needed these words of wisdom. I needed to remind myself that the things I fill my time with ARE creatively legitimate, even if no one takes notice. I blog for me, first and foremost, because at the end of the day, it leaves me feeling fulfilled. I am without a doubt compelled to design – it is what I am currently most passionate about. After finishing this book, I have finally started to say “I am a DESIGNER!” and that feels great! It was the dose of inspiration I needed just when I had started to doubt the creative path I had set for myself.
And so I will end with some words from Gilbert herself:
I remember feeling nervous to tell people I was a photographer- it look forever for me to say it confidently! Also, in case you didn’t know, people have been referring to you as a designer/blogger for years 🙂
Aww thanks my dear. That makes me incredibly happy to hear…isn’t it funny how long it takes for our own head to catch up? I remember taking that photography class together what seems like ages ago…who would have thought we’d be where we are now…