Confession: I have a current book obsession.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert spoke to my soul.

There were so many important lessons in there for those of us in the creative world and those of us that need a little boost to step outside of our comfort zone. The themes in this book are so important to anyone starting their own business. It gives you a new outlook on what art is and how you are using your creativity! I wish I could share every single line from the book with you all, but I’m pretty sure that would break some pretty serious copyright laws! So instead I am requiring you to read the book. That’s right requiring. I’m that confident that you will fall in love with it too!

I foresee a “favorite quotes from the book” post coming soon, but for now I am going to leave you with one that has been speaking to me recently. It’s about fear.

Fear is something that 100% holds you back from stepping outside of your comfort zone and making a leap into something new. But Big Magic gave me a new outlook on this four letter word that likes to hold us back.

Fear is necessary. I love how Elizabeth Gilbert says the only fearless people she knows are sociopaths and a few reckless three year olds (I can definitely agree with the latter). Fear is what keeps  us from touching the hot stove, from running into raging traffic, from putting our head in an alligators mouth! We should acknowledge our fear and let it be. She says she reads this letter to fear when she is about to embark on a new creative journey:

“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. Apparently your job is to induce complete panic whenever I’m about to do anything interesting—and, may I say, you are superb at your job. So by all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must. 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 vehicle for all of us, so make yourself at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize and respect that you are part of this family, and so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still—your suggestions will never be followed. You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You’re not allowed to touch the road maps; you’re not allowed to suggest detours; you’re not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you’re not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.”

Ah, don’t you love it?! Who else is ready to kick fear’s butt?!