I took a little road trip today after work. Actually it was a 300 plus mile round trip drive. I am back home safely now way past my bedtime but it was so worth it. I planned this evening several months ago when Elizabeth Gilbert announced her book tour dates to promote her latest book called Big Magic. Nashville is just a hop, skip and a jump from my home in Indiana and she is one of my favorite authors, so why not? I am big on experiencing and living life not just dreaming about it…so tonight I listened to someone speak that I have admired for about ten years. Bucket list item checked off!
Liz touched on so many things during her interview that I could so relate to at this point in my life. Her new book is about living a creative life beyond fear. I have been terrified of everything my entire life and I still am to an extent. But something changed. Since my second divorce, I seem to be “1% more curious than fearful” now since I am sharing my life here and writing a book.
I relate to Liz because her “hero’s journey” has been much like my own. And probably like many of yours. She hit rock bottom…she was paralyzed by her depression. But through her darkness she began to grow light. She began to be a light to others. “You have to find more strength than you ever had when you have none left.” Oh how I can relate!
God uses broken people. Creativeness is born from despair. You learn to become who you were truly meant to be when you have nothing left. That is where I am at right now…still learning…and forever grateful for the opportunity.
When I left work this afternoon, I snapped a picture of my odometer. I have been wondering for a couple of weeks where I might be going when it clicked over to 200k miles. It happened today while I was driving to Nashville to see one of my inspirations. It was a beautiful drive and I arrived earlier than I anticipated and actually found a seat in the front row. I am going to save the rest of the details because #whathappensinnashvillestaysinnashville! It was a Big Magic kind of night.
This song is for you, Liz. I do not blame you for declining to have a signing line this tour. I’d rather hear you sing any day! 🙂 You are gorgeous inside and out! And not only can you SING…but you have AMAZING taste in shoes! I just thank you for being REAL. The world needs more positive, fearless women role models and “hunters” like you.
God thank You so much for giving me that 1% of extra courage I need to pursue my dreams and live a creative life. I pray that anyone else who is holding back their creativity because of insecurity release those fears and begin to live the life You intended for them. Thank you for watching over me tonight as I traveled. Thank You for watching over all of us down every road we travel. We love you so much. In Jesus’ name, Amen.