Big Magic, authored by Elizabeth Gilbert, is one of my favourite self-help books, although it’s not exactly a self-help book, it’s an “only you can help yourself” kind of book. It’s full of anecdotes from the lives of creative people, and their presence makes the book all the more substantial. Each page feels like a fresh boost of motivation, not because it is condescending in any way, but because it feels so authentic, and I can feel it resonate deep within my soul.
This book taught me that it’s okay to be creative just for the sake of it. Okay, so what if only two people read my posts? I still like writing them. To create only because it gives you joy is enough. It doesn’t have to be capitalised upon, so long as you get the best increment of them all; joy.
I was halfway through reading this book when doubt crept upon me. While I was inspired to start being my authentic self, I was still nervous. What if I wasn’t good enough at writing to even have my own blog? What if my peers judged me? Funnily enough, I came across this quote right about then, and it eased away my worries.
"Never delude yourself into believing that you require someone else's blessing (or even their comprehension) in order to make your own creative work. And always remember that people's judgements about you are none of your business."
‘Taking up space’ is a well-known strategy used to feel more confident. Making yourself believe that you deserve space in this world can drastically improve your self-esteem. Touching upon this is a concept (mentioned in the book) by “David Whyte” called “The arrogance of belonging.”
The arrogance of belonging is not about egotism or self-absorption. In a strange way, it’s the opposite; it is a divine force that will actually take you out of yourself and allow you to engage more fully with life. Because often what keeps you from creative living is your self-absorption (your self-doubt, your self-disgust, your self-judgment, your crushing sense of self-protection). The arrogance of belonging pulls you out of the darkest depths of self-hatred — not by saying “I am the greatest!” but merely by saying “I am here!”
Not only does the author write exceedingly well, she is convincing enough for me to keep my deep-seated fear aside for a moment and wonder if maybe, just maybe, I could live the life of my dreams too; that even I could be who I am, unapologetically.
Every time I feel a sense of unworthiness, I just open the pages I earmarked, and I am reminded of the fact that I belong here. I get to do this. Fear cannot hold me back. Oh, to not be afraid of declaring my intent, of letting it be known that “this is who I am, and this is what I do”.
This book is not just for people who want to create for a living, it’s for anybody who wants to live life creatively. There’s a distinct difference between the two, but in the end, it doesn’t really matter. Living a life of creativity is living a life of happiness. And who doesn’t want to be happy?
“Creative entitlement simply means believing that you are allowed to be here, and that - merely by being here- you are allowed to have a voice and vision of your own."
Additional Posts: Legacy ; Dreams of a better life
