I first read this book when I was writing book reviews on an early private version of Saebloom. Now, it has a permanent spot on my table—my go-to source of creative encouragement. I remember how deeply its message resonated with me—that creativity is for everyone, and it’s one of the most magical forces in the world. It was this book, and the voice behind it, that first nudged me to create something of my own. It helped me define my values and goals, and gave me the vocabulary to express what I had always felt but couldn’t quite articulate. Reading it felt like a spring evening breeze on a Friday night—freeing, exciting, and full of possibility.
Contents
Part I - Courage
Part II - Enchantment
Part III - Permission
Part IV- Persistence
Part V - Trust
Part VI - Divinity
The Magic of Creating: What Big Magic Taught Me
(Source from my 2018 post-some of the ideas from the book that resonated with me most.)
This month, I picked up Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert—her most recent book at the time. At the same time, I started reading Creators by Paul Johnson, which my sister brought home. Together, these two books completely shifted how I think about creativity.
Are we not all born to create something in this life? Even if what we create isn't remembered forever like the works of famous artists, we still leave something behind.
Before, I used to think creativity and sensitivity only belonged to “artists.” I thought there were certain people born to create, and others who just weren’t. But this book helped me see something different:
Everyone Is Creative
Every single one of us has a creative spark inside—something beautiful and eager to come to life.
Creativity doesn’t just visit the "gifted" few. Ideas are always looking for someone to bring them to life. If we are brave and attentive, those ideas will find us too.
"This is Big Magic."
Fear Stops Us from Starting
Whenever we try to create something, fear shows up. We think: “There are so many people who write better, sing better, paint better—why should I even try?”
That fear makes us abandon our ideas and forget what we love. But here's another way to look at it:
If an idea chose you—out of all the people in the world—it means it wants to become real through you.
You are special because you love what you do. That’s enough.
Also, remember: no idea comes from nowhere. Even if someone else has done it before, you haven't. Just think of how many love stories have followed in Shakespeare’s footsteps.
Ask yourself: What do I want to create in this one life I’ve been given? Not for fame, not for money—but just because your heart is drawn to it.
Just Start—Now
Once you have your answer, start. Don’t wait. Whether it fails or succeeds, what matters is that you enjoyed the process.
And if an idea comes to you, don’t wait for a “better” time—don’t say next week, next year, when life is easier. Try it now. Otherwise, that idea might leave and find someone else.
Have you ever seen someone bring to life something that you once imagined? Or heard someone say, “I had that idea once too”? That’s how it works. Ideas don’t wait forever.
You Don’t Need Anyone’s Permission
To live a creative life, you don’t need approval.
Maybe you come from a family of non-creators—people who simply consume what others have made. Maybe you grew up around people who sat waiting for miracles instead of making their own.
Forget that. That doesn’t define you.
Anyone who wants to live creatively can.
"How to spend your life? Sitting around passively waiting for stuff to happen to you or spending your life making things?"
Do you want to write, make music, direct films, learn a new language or dance, travel, paint?
Just do it.
Who cares what anyone else thinks? The most creative question you can ask yourself is:
“Why not?”
You Don’t Have to Be First—Just Be You
"Most things have already been done but they have not yet been done by you."
"I am going to spend as much time as I can creating delightful things out of my existence because that's what brings me awake and that's what brings me alive."
"Let inspiration lead you wherever it wants to lead you. We make things because we like making things."
In the End…
Want to be a creative person?
Too late—you already are.
#BIGMAGIC
2018