Big Magic - what if I had left this book on the bookstore shelves?

Why you should read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

We’ve already talked about a book on creativity here earlier (The Listening Path), but this book by the wonderful Elizabeth Gilbert can’t be left out of a reading list of intuition books. It simply must be read if you haven’t read it yet.

When you’ll read the quotes below, taken from this full force inspiring book, you’ll know you want Elizabeth’s support and guidance with you wherever you go. Personally, I take comfort and support in knowing Big Magic is right there in my handbag, should I have a small minute or two to lift my spirits at any given moment.

Inspirational quotes from Big Magic that will convince you to read it too

The book says there are 6 phases involved when you’re striving to be creative completely and with your whole being: Courage – Enchantment – Permission – Persistence – Trust – Divinity. Each subject has various beautiful stories connected that explain and inspire you to follow your creativity. Elizabeth nudges you to do just that and does so in different ways: very lovely, very supportive, very strict, very wise, very compassionate…. and so much more.

From Courage:

“Creativity is a path for the brave, not for the fearless. […] Your fear will always be triggered by your creativity, because creativity asks you to enter into realms of uncertain outcome, and fear hates uncertain outcome. […]
If I want creativity […] I will have to make space for fear, too. […] I’m making space for fear right this moment. I allow my fear to live and breath […] “Dearest fear: […] keep doing your job, if you feel you must. But I will also be doing my job””

From Permission:

“[…] good kind of arrogance is the only weapon with which to combat the nasty dialogue […] You know the nasty dialogue I mean, right? “Who the hell do you think you are, trying to be creative? You such, you’re stupid, you have no talent […]” It begins when you declare your intent. Stand up tall and say it aloud, whatever it is:
I’m a writer.
I’m a singer.
I’m an actor.
I’m a gardener.
[…] I don’t yet know exactly what I am, but I’m curious enough to go find out!
It’s something you must do daily, forever.”

“But never delude yourself into believing that you require someone else’s blessing (or even comprehension) in order to make your own creative work. And always remember that people’s judgments about you are none of your business.”

From Persistence:

“You know how people who are having extramarital affairs always seem to manage to find time to see each other […] When people are having an affair, they don’t mind losing sleep, or missing meals. They will make whatever sacrifices they need to make […] because it matters to them. […] Sneak off and have an affair with your most creative self. Lie to everyone about where you’re actually going on your lunch break. Pretend you’re traveling on a business trip when secretly you’re retreating in order to paint, or to write poetry […]”

“It doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to be Plato.
It’s all just an instinct and an experiment and a mystery, so begin.
Begin anywhere. Preferably right now.
And if greatness should ever accidentally stumble upon you, let it catch you hard at work.”

What this book did for me – and might do for you as well

I left this book on the shelve at the book store so many times… I was always very attracted by it’s beautiful jumble of colors on the cover, but when I read the back of the book, I wasn’t intrigued by it. And then one time, I did buy it, when it was at it’s cheapest, figuring I might as well.

But what if I hadn’t….? If I had left it there once again? I don’t even dare thinking about it.

Because this book changed my life.

I don’t say that lightly. This book was the one that got me out of my day job and into creating courses. This book was the one that finally spoke to all my fears and small voices inside telling me I’m not a creative person, that I’m trained to be a lawyer and always will be only that. This book I read, more correctly: devoured, cover to cover – and that’s saying something, because I seldom read a book completely – got me trusting my talents, my abilities and got me embracing my quirkiness.

Thank you, lovely book: Big Magic.