As the skies lighten in the early days of 2016, I am sitting on the couch, drinking my coffee, writing – contemplating what I want to call in for the New Year.
I am inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s new book, “Big Magic” about living a creative life. I ended up reading it in one sitting this weekend. I quivered in recognition at her words and the tremendous permission she offered at what a creative life could look like:
- Just do it. That is what matters most.
- We really do have the time.
- Accept fear will always be a companion – it is how we respond that matters.
- Let go of people’s opinions on whether it is a success / failure.
- It does not have to be a career.
- Done is better than perfect.
- Drama distracts. We don’t have to suffer.
- Persevere. Because what is the alternative.
Reading her book made me laugh and cry. I was five again and the simple joy of crayons on paper. I was writing, swimming in the flow, as the words tumbled out of me. I was dancing –
swing, cha-cha, waltz, overflowing with the simple delight of moving my body to the music. I was directing, passionately focused on what was unfolding on the stage.
This is where I am the happiest: when I feel like whatever purpose there is to our human existence, I am living it. Be it for ten minutes or ten hours. Connected: soul, mind, body.
So as I sit on this couch, snuggling into the juiciness of this conversation, I am prepared to commit:
To 30 minutes a day writing creatively (good or bad).
To sharing my work regardless of the outcome.
To living a creative life – in all its facets and faces.
And so, my friends I share with you the lessons from her pages, ragingly recommend her book, because I believe we are all Creative Beings. THIS is our natural impulse. This is what brings us joy. In each of us there burns:
A fire that is meant to be stoked,
A light that is meant to shine,
A Universe that is meant to be explored.
Journey on! To a glorious 2016.