Have you read it yet? It seems like everyone is talking about this book!
Thanks to the pouring rain in Houston this weekend, I devoured Liz Gilbert’s new book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. Considering that I am working on my own first book right now, it was a very timely read for me. Not only was it inspirational for my own creative endeavors, but she helped me think more about creativity in the context of self-care. And she can help you, too, think about creativity in the context of whatever you are committed to in your life.
I love the frank way that she calls “B.S.” on a lot of our limiting thoughts and stifling ideas about creativity in our society. And I found myself nodding my head and then adding my own commentary to support or expand her idea as it relates to self-care!
For example:
Liz writes: “If I want creativity in my life-and I do-then I will have to make space for fear too.”
My version: If I want self-care and self-love in my life–and I do–then I will half to make space for discomfort and unease.
Liz writes: “You do not need anybody’s permission to live a creative life.”
And I say: You do not need anybody’s permission to live a life where you love yourself and take care of yourself.
Liz writes about actually enjoying creativity and she invites the reader to say “I enjoy my creativity”
I would like to invite you to claim “I enjoy practicing smart self-care”
(Because truly, what’s wrong with getting plenty of sleep, eating food that tastes healthy and yummy, spending time laughing and playing with loved ones, and connecting with nature that soothes the senses. That all sounds delicious to me!)
I could go on and on about this book (my original note to you, dear reader, was three times what this post has ended up being!) but instead, I’m going to tell you that you simply must go read it.
Why?
Because no matter what creative project you are working on–writing a book, building a business, parenting a child, organizing your house, creating a garden, developing a non-profit–you will find treasure in this book.
And you will also begin to look for the “treasures hidden inside you,” a concept she references a lot.
“You have treasures hidden within you… and the clock is ticking, and the world is spinning, and we simply do not have time anymore to think so small.”
Excavating the treasure requires exquisite self-care. It calls us to say yes to that which nurtures and supports us, and it calls us to say no to things that distract us, diminish us or otherwise hold us back.
Revitalizing Action: Read “Big Magic” and then let me know what your “gems” are. (Anyone who has coached with me or taken a class or retreat with me knows that for the last 15 years, I always ask my clients about their gems from a coaching conversation, a group, a workshop or retreat.) What are the gems that you will gather from the wisdom in this book?
Here’s to Big Magic!
Elizabeth