“But what if you fly?” is the oft-repeated answer dashed across social media.
Honestly, if I know anything about fate, chances are we’ll get an outcome we didn’t expect. Maybe it will be better than we imagined.
Maybe not.
As I have said, and as we all know deep in our hearts, there is no guarantee of success in creative realms. Not for you, not for me, not for anyone. Not now, not ever.
Will you put forth your work anyhow?
Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic
Week 10 of Daily Painting is in the books, and it sets a record. I finished seven pieces and all were keepers. I have learned and put in my notes how important the under-painting, or first wash of color, is for my work. It doesn’t necessarily break the piece, but it certainly makes it in a big way if done right. Most importantly, I think I see a glimpse of my style emerging. There’s a softness of edges I’m pursuing, and it’s starting to come through in little ways.
Daily painting is a transformative practice, and I will be preaching its brilliance and necessity forever. Painting small, painting often, and starting fresh every day is a game changer.
I think that goes for anything…daily prayer, daily exercise, or daily anything to become a master at whatever you are pursuing.
So back to our question, “What would you do if you knew you could very well fail?”
What do you love doing so much that the words failure and success essentially become irrelevant?
What do you love more than your own ego?
How fierce is your trust in that love?
You might challenge this idea of fierce trust. You might buck against it. You might want to punch and kick at it. You might demand of it, “Why should I go through all the trouble to make something if the outcome might be nothing?”
The answer will usually come with a wicked trickster grin: “Because it’s fun isn’t it?”
Anyhow, what else are you going to do with your time here on earth — not make things? Not do interesting stuff? Not follow your love and your curiosity?
There is always that alternative, after all. You have free will. If creative living becomes too difficult or too unrewarding for you, you can stop anytime you want.
Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic
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