Living Beyond Fear in 2016

I recently finished reading the book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love. I thought this was a great book to share with all of you as we go into the new year and set new goals for 2016. I hope the tips I learned from this book will inspire you and me to live beyond fear and actively utilize our creative energy to achieve our goals for the new year!

1. Have an affair with your passion.
   • Let's face it, some of us are lazy or make excuses. We treat our passion like an old, boring marriage. Some of us are still figuring out what our passion is. Let's light that fire again. Start by doing what you love and devoting yourself to that matter what, even if you have to sneak away in a corner for 15 minutes everyday. Discipline yourself.
2. "When it's for love, you will always do it anyhow."
   • We torture ourselves enough by doing things that we don't like. Life becomes mundane. Devoting more time to the things we do love would lead to more happiness. 
3. Don't stop when things get hard.
   • "Don't rush through the experiences and circumstances that have the most capacity to transform you." We are always in such a rush that we forget to appreciate the journey. As soon as things get too difficult we are ready to give up. Don't give up because this is usually right before something big is about to happen. Be patient and don't miss out on your blessing.
4. Trust yourself.
   • Sometimes the most difficult thing to do is to put our creative work out there for the world to see. We are so terrified of what people will think that we don't put anything out there. What if I am unsuccessful? What if no one likes me? No matter the outcome, just do it anyway. Regardless if you fail or succeed, at least you were happy doing something you love.

Believe

" Believe you can experience someone better than the person you once longed for or were with. Believing that there isn't someone else out there better is a lie. Qualities of brains and beauty, emotional and spiritual maturity, confidence and ambition, can be found anywhere in this world. The person you once had or desired isn't the only one on this planet who can move your heart. Speak the love of your life into existence, and believe." - Melvin Davis, excerpt from ALTERcation by Ericka McCracken

I have been reading my sorority sister's book ALTERcation and I can't put it down. This quote stuck out to me in a huge way. Anyone that has gone through a break-up knows that there are two questions that come to mind, if you will ever love again or if there will be someone better? The answer is YES! God always has another. It may be hard to believe when you are still going through the healing process, or have experienced a bunch of failed relationships/situations. But He will lead you to the person that is meant for you.

reading rainbow.

I love curling up with a great book. It is one of my favorite pastimes and just as comforting as a close friend. This past weekend I finally got to relax and catch up on reading. I am currently reading 50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James. I normally don't follow the crowd, but I had to see what the hype was about. It's an easy read so far, but it seems very predictable. So i'll keep reading to see what's next! What are some of your favorite books? I would have to say that The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is in my top 5. It's a phenomenal story about friendship, family, betrayal, and love. I mainly enjoy reading historical fiction and poetry but I'm always open to other genres. My favorite poet is Pablo Neruda. If I could speak Spanish fluently, I would recite his poems in their original text. He illustrates life so beautifully. Who are some of your favorite writers? I would love to see your suggestions to add to my book list. Don't forget to grab your book when you're headed to the beach!

pamper your mind too.