Harness the Magic
A Peek into Elizabeth Gilbert's Book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
I am a creative person. Every day I arrive at work with the expectation of doing one or all of the following: designing print ads, developing stories for publication, molding articles into beautiful pieces of art, thinking up slogans and tag lines, thinking of the newest and best way to market a client. It’s called creativity-on-demand. In fact, recently I described designing media as being given a puzzle with only 80 percent of pieces and the cover image is missing; yep, that’s the life of a designer.
My mom is a not-so-creative person. Her ideas begin and end with a cute Pinterest photo and a nicely worded text to me or a coworker asking, “How do we (read as you) make this happen?” And don't worry, she knows I'm writing this. To give her due credit, she usually is the one who installs the bulletin board or design in her classroom; It doesn't always match my vision, but I'll take it.
So where does one find the creativity? Mine, it’s on my long commute to and from work; but even with the daily dose of creativity, I still yearn for more creative outlets. Why do you think I find myself dreaming of a painting I should tackle or finding a do-it-yourself project for nearly every weekend?
Not everyone is an uber creative person, BUT, we can all be inspired by creative living. That's where the big magic comes in—that ah-ha moment that everyone gets once and awhile. The magic is there, we just have to grasp it. Elizabeth Gilbert, New York Times bestselling author and renown writer of Eat, Pray, Love has grasped her own creativity and opened up a world of wonder for readers in her book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. Exalted as a "must-read for anyone hoping to live a creative life" by Popsugar. This book is making waves with its glimpse into Gilbert’s own generative process and unique perspective on creativity.
“What is creativity? Creativity is a crushing chore and a glorious mystery. The work wants to be made and it wants to be made through you.” -Big Magic
Let’s face it, creativity and inspiration is complicated. Gilbert breaks down her book into courage, enchantment, permission, persistence, trust and divinity. Each chapter is laced with humor and truth. She cites her own experiences from fear and frustration to seemingly divine intuition and crazy coincidences. Her potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration, including the creative process, attitudes, approaches and habits are spot on.
Keep your eyes open. Listen. Follow your curiosity. Ideas are constantly trying to get your attention. Let them know you are available.” -Big Magic
Gilbert proposes that ideas float all around us in the universe just waiting to be plucked away, tended, watered and fed until they bloom inside you. Whether our ideas tend to be writing a book, or creating something artistic, they can be cultivated into existence with perserverance. Big Magic delves into many arenas of your life outside of creativity and inspiration, as well. Gilbert writes about how to deal with paralyzing fear and everyday challenges. Her book is a perfect for anyone who is ready to walk through the world just a little bit braver.
Be brave. Without bravery, you will never know the world as richly as it longs to be known. Without bravery, your life will remain small—far smaller than you probably wanted your life to be.” -Big Magic
Creativity is a drug. I encourage you to indulge. The feeling of accomplishing something creative is like no other. Gilbert inspires you to live your best life. She writes, “If you are alive, you’re a creative person”—so that means you!
Elizabeth Gilbert is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love and several other internationally bestselling books of fiction and nonfiction. Gilbert began her career writing for Harper’s Bazaar, Spin, The New York Times Magazine and GQ, and was a three-time finalist for the National Magazine Award. The follow-up memoir Committed became an instant No. 1 New York Times bestseller. One of her latest novels, The Signature of All Things, was named a Best Book of 2013 by The New York Times, O Magazine, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and The New Yorker.