
How to turn the "pain you can't get rid of" into creativity

I believe that our creativity grows like sidewalk weeds out of the cracks between our pathologies—not from the pathologies themselves. But so many people think it’s the other way around. For this reason, you will often meet artists who deliberately cling to their suffering, their addictions, their fears, their demons. They worry that if they ever l
... See moreElizabeth Gilbert • Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
our own creativity should draw upon the wisdom of our wounds if it wants to reach others in a meaningful way.
Toko-pa Turner • Belonging: Remembering Ourselves home
People often ask me how I got the courage to put my work into the world.
I’m not sure I have any courage, but I do have rage .
This may come as a surprise to readers of my books, who tell me they’re rather helpful and upbeat. (Not words my friends and family might necessarily use to describe me!)
My secret is: the books are positive because I take a n... See more
I’m not sure I have any courage, but I do have rage .
This may come as a surprise to readers of my books, who tell me they’re rather helpful and upbeat. (Not words my friends and family might necessarily use to describe me!)
My secret is: the books are positive because I take a n... See more
Austin Kleon • What to do with your feelings - Austin Kleon
Use loneliness. Its ache creates urgency to reconnect with the world. Take that aching and use it to propel you deeper into your need for expression—to speak, to say who you are and how you care about light and rooms and lullabies.