The DV Weekend Pickup #11

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend! I will be taking the next 3 days off from the blog but fear not, I will be back to delight you next week. Without further ado here is the MDW 2016 weekend pickup...

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

What I like best: First let me start by saying this is the first book I've reviewed (more like suggested) written by a woman, not by intent. I read female selections quite often but for some reason I just like to draw attention to random facts, its a weird personal thing, ha! But for the record, I firmly believe women in general are both amazing and inspiring. Especially women who are pushing boundaries, defying social norms, and challenging the world. Anyway now for the book...

Isn't the title just tempting? C'mon, I think so. Elizabeth Gilbert says "If you're alive, you're a creative person." Asking the question, is it possible to live creatively while being fearful? Probably not. Begging us to lead a life driven by curiosity as opposed to fear. The fact that I agree probably made the book much easier to enjoy. Gilbert takes you through a 6 part journey on how to bring out your creativity - courage, enchantment, permission, persistence, trust, and divinity.  Personally I love the thought she shares on, what happens if you don't act on an idea? It will leave you and even worse it will go to someone else!  If it sounds hokey, you're right. Until you hear a couple supporting stories - her own especially - and you'll understand why she feels the way she does. She takes a rather deep and complex topic and makes it light and enjoyable to read - perfect for MDW 2016.

Best quote: "Basically, your fear is like a mall cop who thinks he's a Navy Seal: He hasn't slept in days, he's all hopped up on Red Bull, and he's liable to shoot at his own shadow in an absurd effort to keep everyone "safe.""

DV