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Face Your Fear: Writing Lessons from Big Magic

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October 5, 2016

” target=”_blank”>My path has been full of bumps in the road and the most important thing is as Elizabeth Gilbert says in her book, “   Next, next, next—always next. Keep moving, keep going. Whatever you do, try not to dwell too long on your failures.”

The most important thing is to continue. As Gilbert tells us: “The central question upon which all creative living hinges is ‘Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?’” I believe that you do! I will keep hope for you as others kept hope for me when I could not see it. It is crucial that you live “a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.

I have been afraid of fear and like Gilbert very terrified of things. But like her, I did it anyway. You must decide like Eleanor Roosevelt said and “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

Dearest Fear: Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you’ll be joining us, because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously…But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring. There’s plenty of room in this car…Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way…You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote…But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.”

I love the idea to write a letter to fear and tell her, you are not allowed to drive! The driver and decision maker will no longer be fear. You can do it!

Gilbert echoed what I heard recently at my ceramics studio. David was teaching a group of new students and one asked, “How do you know when the clay is centered?” David responded: “When you are done, you’re done.” I love this response although my guess is it did not feel helpful to the student who asked who did not know when to be done. This permission to decide felt remarkable to me and was echoed when Gilbert wrote:

When can you start pursuing your most creative and passionate life? You can start whenever you decide to start.

I invite you to start now. Share a story in my We Said Go   

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