Why am I here? What have I been called to do? How am I getting in my own way? How can I best live out of my destiny?
Be honest, how many times do you feel that your anxieties, distractions, insecurities, and duties consume all your energy? I feel that way…at least sometimes. And if we feel that way, we're not that much receptive to inspiration, according to Elizabeth Gilbert. Gilbert suggests living a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.
Big Magic is a self-help guide of motivational passages, anecdotes, and quotes meant to inspire human beings to unleash their creativity in whatever form is most natural for them. If you have a creative bone in your body (and yes, you do!), this book will help you to face what holds you back from embracing inspiration and will inspire you to flex these creative muscles inside your body.
Whether you’re planning to start a new business, take new work challenges, or start that Book Blog (hell yeah, look at me!), Big Magic advises on how to infuse our lives with passion and mindfulness by creating space to be brave in the pursuit of your dreams. According to the author it’s time to make something of yourself, making something with yourself to find the treasures that are hidden inside yourself. And to bring those treasures to light it takes work, faith, focus, courage and hours of devotion. So now it’s time to defend yourself as a creative person: Define yourself. It begins when you declare your intent. Stand up tall, say it aloud:
„I’m an inventor, I’m a singer, I’m a chef or I don’t yet know exactly what I am, but I’m curious enough to go find out!”
The truth is I’d been looking forward to reading this book for months, until my buddy gave it to me as a gift. This was such a completely unexpected, highly appreciated and awesome present.
I remember only one thing that I didn’t like about the book. In chapter three, named Permission, Gilbert argues that every other profession, such as teacher, doctor, fireman, political lobbyist, sex worker, consultant is infinitely more essential to the smooth maintenance of the human community than any novelist. Seriously Elizabeth, I mean: Seriously!? I fully disagree with page number 127. I think that like any other profession listed by her, novelists, rank among the most influential and most courageous ones because they shape the way we, the readers, think and act. Above anything else, they help to keep our society mentally healthy. If that isn’t a profession that we need in this society, especially during these days?
I love how this book made me feel empowered to continue following my passion and slaying my goals. I recommend this book to dreamers who need to remind/encourage them to keep following their passion and also to complainers who need a good kick up in their ass to get out of one's misery because there is a hell of opportunities out there and it’s time to drop suffer, fear and insecurities. Now is the time to...
“Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.”
About the author:
Elizabeth Gilbert is a New York Times bestselling author, best known for her memoir "Eat, Pray, Love". After Gilbert worked as a cook, bartender, waitress, and magazine employee, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from New York University. Her writing was mainly influenced by Charles Dickens.
My favourite quote:
"If you are a young person, open your eyes wide and let the world educate you to the fullest"