So try saying this: “I enjoy my creativity.” And when you say it, be sure to actually mean it.

“You can recognize the people who live for others by the haunted look on the faces of the others.”)

“Do you have the courage? Do you have the courage to bring forth this work? The treasures that are hidden inside you are hoping you will say yes.”

Also, it may be the case that there are seasons when you can live off your art and seasons when you cannot. This need not be regarded as a crisis; it’s only natural in the flux and uncertainty of a creative life.

The sooner and more passionately you get married to this idea—that it is ultimately entirely up to you—the better off you’ll be.

Recognizing this reality—that the reaction doesn’t belong to you—is the only sane way to create.

Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.

we are meant to engage with inspiration, and that inspiration wants to work with us—then

So the question is not so much “What are you passionate about?” The question is “What are you passionate enough about that you can endure the most disagreeable aspects of the work?”