INSPIRATION: ELIZABETH GILBERT (TED TALKS)

So, I saw a link to this video on Facebook a few weeks ago. Just so you know, I have read half of Eat, Pray, Love. As in, the Eat portion of the book. Sorry, Ms. Gilbert. I did watch all of this video...actually while eating. Hmm.

Anyway, I really like what Gilbert has to say in this video about artists and about being creative, because I believe that she hits on some points that are particularly true both in individuals and in society. People who desire to make creativity a job (musicians, painters, writers, dancers, etc) are looked at differently than those who choose practical professions.

Duh.

I've lived this. Being poked at for wanting to study English or choosing an Art minor when Engineering or Business is much more practical? Uh huh. What I like about Gilbert's speech is she identified why this difference exists apart from the monetary/"real-world" arguments that are often made. Artists do feel a different weight in their decision to be creative, because what if it doesn't work out? What if you make one really great piece that everyone loves...then what's next? She says creativity has "inherent emotional risk."

Amen, Liz. Amen.

My husband gets to hear the "I'mnotgoodenoughwhydoIevendothis" moments occasionally. I try to limit those pity parties. So, I get the inherent emotion risk bit. We're scared of failing. We're scared of doing something that might not have merit.

"Is it rational, is it logical, that anybody should be expected to be afraid of the work they feel put on this Earth to do?" - Elizabeth Gilbert

Listen, I don't know if I was put on this Earth to paint. In fact, I believe that there are higher callings to what individuals are created to do outside of what you actually choose to do. I'm not saying I was put on this Earth to paint, but by golly, I paint because it's a part of me. Just like red hair, non-stop chatter, and cat obsessiveness, creativity is a part of me. I can feed it or let it wither - I do have a choice on that.

What I love about Gilbert's message in this speech is her solution: having a genius verses being a genius. We think that all of our creative juices must live within us and be a part of us, and when they don't deliver, we think it's because we've failed.

Instead, when you take this idea of "the genius" and let it be outside yourself - you can live and create and be inspired. Gilbert makes a lot of vague spiritual, paranormal, and religious implications with these statements, which I believe the listener can interpret many different ways, depending on his/her own world views. Regardless, I like what she has to say here. It has me thinking, wondering, and inspired to "show up for [my] job" as a painter and let God do the rest. Yes, I will have to still work my butt off to be great at portraiture, but greatness can live outside of me. I just need to try and listen when it whispers.

Watch the video and let me know your thoughts. You may agree, you may disagree.

You may be inspired.