We all know Elizabeth Gilbert from her iconic story of Eat, Pray, Love. When I saw pictures of the cover of her newest book floating around Instagram, I was very intrigued. This book is so colorful, how could it not be awesome!? When I took a closer look I learned that it wasn’t a novel or a fictional story. It is a collection of personal stories that help you to live the most creative life you can beyond the fear. The book has 6 main themes; courage, enchantment, permission, persistence, trust, and finally divinity.
Immediately I was hooked. The word creativity is something I personally struggle with. I always thought of Ashley as the more creative one, but this book opened my eyes to a new sense of self, that we all have creativity within us. We just have to find it. It is not a self help book. You can interpret what Elizabeth says in many different ways. I’m not good with being told what to do, so this is actually the perfect book for me.
I started reading it when I was on a plane and one story in particular really stood out to me. I’m not going to go into all of the details, but it explained how creativity and ideas can be passed between people and be finished by someone who maybe isn’t the one who started it. I strongly believe that is possible. Elizabeth also talks about an interview she did with Tom Waits when she worked at GQ. She said “I’ve never met anyone who was so articulate and wise about creative living.” This stood out to me because one of my favorite musical artists, Matthew Healy from The 1975, is also very articulate and straightforward about his creative process. He is always very clear about where his inspiration comes from and is one of the most eloquent speakers I have ever met. Yes, I have met Matty a couple times. You do feel very inspired in his presence. This was probably the chapter of the book that I could relate to the most. This was my light-bulb moment, or Big Magic.
The very last page of the book really sums it up perfectly. I thought about not sharing it because I don’t want to ruin it for y’all, but I feel like I need to.
“Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it doesn’t matter at all. We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits. We are terrified, and we are brave. Art is a crushing chore and a wonderful privilege. Only when we are at our most playful can divinity finally get serious with us. Make space for all of the paradoxes to be equally true inside your soul, and I promise– you can make anything. So please calm down now and get back to work, okay? The treasures that are hidden inside you are hoping you will say yes.”
So, my challenge for you today is to start your journey towards a more creative life. We all have it within us. It comes at many different times in all different shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is with you for days and sometimes it is with you for mere seconds. That is up to you. Don’t be afraid. Take that creativity and live your life. Next time creativity presents itself to me I am going to grab it by it’s unicorn horn and run with it!
Have any of y’all read Big Magic!? Let us know in the comments below!
-Shelby xx
*Photos taken from here