Some pages I earmarked from "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert.
"But I see it differently. I think perfectionism is just a high-end, haute couture version of fear. I think perfectionism is just fear in fancy shoes and a mink coat, pretending to be elegant when actually it's just terrified. Because underneath that shiny veneer, perfectionism is nothing more than a deep existential angst that says, again and again, "I am not good enough and I will never be good enough."
I knew this to be true. How so many are stopped before they begin; due to the fear. What I didn't know was that it was personal fear of not being good enough...NOT that their Art wouldn't be good enough. It isn't about the art....it is about how you feel about being you.
And, this page....
"It has taken me years learn this, but it seems to be the case, that if I am not actively creating something, then I am probably actively destroying something (myself, a relationship, or my own peace of mind.)"
We can use our imagination to create something or to destroy something. I am choosing more and more often to be creative. I don't like how destroying thoughts feel inside of me. Think on this....
And,
"By completely absorbing our attention for a short and magical spell, it can relieve us temporarily from the dreadful burden of being who we are. Best of all, at the end of your creative adventure, you have a souvenir - something that you made, something to remind you forever of your brief but transformative encounter with inspiration."
I truly believe that the more we are in the flow of creativity, the less we feel overwhelmed. It is to give our minds, bodies and souls a break from life destroying thoughts. The more you create, the more you think about what else you can create.
And, lastly...(although I am not done yet....)
"Choosing your Delusion"
"Is this delusional?"
"Is it delusional to me to place an infinite trust in a force that I cannot see, touch, or prove - a force that might not even actually exist?"
"Okay, for the sake of argument, let's call it totally delusional."
"But is it any more delusional than believing that only your suffering and pain are authentic? Or that you are alone - that you have no relationship whatsoever with the universe that created you? Or that you have been singled out by destiny as specifically cursed? Or that your talents were given to you for the mere purpose of destroying you?"
"What I'm saying is this: If you're going to live your life based on delusions (and you are, because we all do), then why not at least select a delusion that is helpful?"
"Allow me to suggest this one:"
"The work wants to be made, and it wants to be made through you."
I love this idea, that we can be plugged into a delusional stream.....and we may as well make it positive and one that is for us....not against us.
