Let’s start here – Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert was surprising, and not at all what I expected it to be.
It was much, much better.
Do you wish you were living a more creative life? Are you already living a creative life? Don’t think creativity is for you? Read this book. Now.
Shortly after the first few pages, I thought Gilbert was reading my mind, bringing forth and answering doubtful, insecure questions all of us “creative” beings have. Do I even have talent? What if I’m criticized? Did someone already do this, and better? No one will take me seriously. I’m embarrassed by these dreams of mine. The list goes on and on… and on.
Through six parts (Courage, Enchantment, Permission, Persistence, Trust and Divinity), Gilbert urges us to embrace the gift of creativity, forget the “starving artist” mentality, and invite inspiration into our lives. “Big Magic” happens at the crossroads when we can conquer fear and create – just as we’re made to do.
I took a few notes, and marked a couple pages….
How has this book changed my outlook?
- It’s comforting to know how many people struggle with their creativity daily. Not that Gilbert hands out statistics, but many anecdotes and the lone fact that she wrote Big Magic proves a point.
- I now look at creativity as a two-way street. Inspiration is looking for us just as much as we are looking for it. Keep your mind open and be stubborn enough to push through. The idea wants to thrive and it will move on to someone else if you give up.
- Whatever form of art you make/write/develop, create it solely for the purpose of love. Do not expect your art to provide for you. If it goes hand in hand, that’s great, but if not, the expectations can become too much and inspiration will curl back. There are always benefits to creating – monetary or not.
- Remain curious – you never know where that little light will take you if you don’t follow it.
As you can see by the pages marked, I could go on and on about things I’ve learned from Big Magic. So, would I recommend it? Yes!
Even if you’ve never picked up paint brush or conquered a DIY, this book can still explain how to get a little something extra out of life.
And that’s all we really want, right?
Have you read Big Magic? What did you think?
xoxo. a
Catch me on Instagram! @agnes_wrightblog
Who Gives A Chic says
Adding to my Want to Read list immediately!
agneswright says
You will absolutely love it!
Kimberly Starr says
This has been on my TBR since I first heard about it! And you definitely convinced me to start reading ASAP! 🙂
agneswrightblog says
Yes!! You will absolutely love it. I haven’t read a life changer in a while, but Big Magic is definitely one of them! Let me know what you think!
InesL says
Adding it to my list!!
agneswrightblog says
Great to hear! It is wonderful.