Living a Creative Life With Magic
I just finished reading “Big Magic: Creating Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert. Gilbert is the same woman who wrote the massively successful book “Eat, Pray, Love“.
I’ll admit that I was drawn to the book because of the title and the awesome cover. Quickly I discovered the book was about one of my favorite topics, “Creative Living”. In it she discusses attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives.
I remember being a 10 year old magician and after my shows business-y adults would ask me, “What do you want to do when you grow up?”
I wasn’t too sure… I was just a kid after-all. But I would answer with things like:
- “I want to be a famous magician on TV.”
- “I want to perform grand illusions.”
- “I want to perform on cruise ships.”
- “I want my own show in Vegas.”
As I grew up, I realized those weren’t authentic goals. I just answered that way because I thought that’s what I was supposed to say.
I’ve realized that I don’t want any of those things. I don’t believe crossing those off my list would make my life feel more complete:
- TV Magic? I don’t wish to spend my time in production meetings or rapidly developing TV only effects.
- Grand Illusions? I don’t want to lug around tons of gear. I want to be a magician – not a professional mover.
- Cruise Ships? I don’t want to be more familiar with airports than I am with the history of an effect.
- Vegas Stardom? I don’t wish to chase after fame. Becoming famous is outside of my control anyway.
