Book Review – Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

<— ABSOLUTELY FIVE HUGE LOVE STARS for this book. This was the perfect way to end off 2019 for me, coming into this new decade and I’m thrilled to kick off the new year (and decade) with a review for a book that I truly felt within the depths of my soul, that I connected to, on a fun, elemental and very human level.

I one-clicked it (and the audiobook while I was at it, since getting the two together was an even bigger sale price) when it went on sale few weeks ago, and I am so grateful for it, and even more so, for the reactions of fellow readers letting me know how amazing this book truly was. I knew I had to start it ASAP.

Suanne Laqueur: I cannot recommend this book enough, especially on audio. I’ve listened to it twice! I also can’t recommend enough Liz’s TED Talk “Your elusive creative genius,” which I watch at least once a month.

Amanda: I absolutely love this book – it really digs deep! Resonated so much with me. Enjoy 😍

Kira: i really liked this book….

Amanda: One book that I regularly go back to, even now. It was so inspiring ❤

Bev: I remember the buzz around Big Magic when it came out bit never really paid attention. Was it about creativity?

Yes bev!! But so much more than that.

It’s about finding and enjoying your creativity (no matter “what” that version of creativity is). It’s a very “YOU BE YOU” and don’t worry about ANYTHING else (anyone else’s tastes, critics, fans…) Everything you create, you create for yourself, because it makes YOU happy. Brings you joy.

Let the chips fall where they may after, but no matter what, DO your best not to ever stifle yourself or your creativity for others. Or worse yet, for your fears. Even if you can only fit your creativity in bits of time between work, or early in the morning before everyone wakes up. CREATE.

No excuses as to why you CAN’T create what you love or what you have a passion for. What you’re in the mood for. Just DO IT. ANYTIME you can. It’s good for your soul, your mental health, your happiness. And the more you create what you love, the better you get, so don’t even let “inexperience” stand in your way.

WE WILL ALL mess things up or “fail” (if you will), but we will ALWAYS grow and get better no matter what we’re into. Follow that nudge. That desire. You have that urge, an idea? An inspiration? CREATE IT while that urge is there. Strike while it’s hot for the truest version of your creation. Of yourself… in that moment.

I was wondering how’d I’d be able to relay what I listened to without having my highlights and quotes to include in my review, but apparently, I’ve retained the gist of it all pretty well. 😉

My hope and wish for everyone? That you all jump in and read this one for yourself (or listen to it like I did – since I seem to prefer to listen to non-fiction and “self-help” books). I absorb the message better, it seems, when someone is talking to me. 😉

What you’ve created, as long as you’ve created it for you, for your primal need to release the energy, to turn your ideas into things, to be able to love it and hold it, or even admire it from afar… to love it and love yourself along with your creation, no matter what anyone else thinks. No matter where it goes… or doesn’t go.

It doesn’t matter if others love it, are indifferent by what you create, or hate it (there could very well be an equal mix of the three), as long as you CREATE what you feel the urge to create. Being true to yourself, and who you are innately… you win.

GO WITH YOUR FLOW. If your flow changes along the way… then go with that. But whatever you do, please don’t ever cut it off… because of fear.

It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, or where you are in your life (physically or mentally – happy or not, comfortable or discombobulated). It doesn’t matter your version of creativity (artist, musician, writer, blogger, speaker, organizer, list-maker, designer, lover-of-naturer/gardener… ohhhhh… I could go on and on) we are ALL creative in one form or another.

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!!!!

And, we’ll all hear her message in different ways. That’s fine. As long as you hear it.

No matter what, listen to this. Or READ this. She says it so much better than I could ever try and explain it here, and with her own anecdotes (stuff we can truly relate to) as well as that of those around her, stuff she’s read, stuff that has marked her, her disappointments, her surprises, her elations… you WILL feel this one, and truly “get it”.

5 STARS!!! <— This is one that I will listen to again and again. I LOVE her narration, her personality and her voice. She’s incredibly inspiring and open and someone I loved listening to. It was like peacefully hanging out with a fun friend, contemplating life… and all of its wondrous big magic.