Before one begin anything, seek out your allies, people who are interested in what you are doing. Those people necessarily wont be any kind of dazzling people who never makes mistakes. But people who are not afraid of making mistakes. Therefore, such people’s work go unrecognized but they are just kind of people who transform the world and after many mistakes managed to do something that can make a real difference in the community.

The Allies

Bow is seen as source of life as the arrow will leave one day to the target but the bow will stay with you. A bow is shown as the extension of the Archer which can either serve to meditate or kill.Hence be clear about your intentions. Though, it has its own limitations. Hence it should become the part of your arm and extension of your thoughts.

THE BOW

The Arrow symbolizes the intention.It must be crystal clear and straight and balanced.Though never hold back from firing the arrow if all that paralyzes you is fear of making a mistake.If you never take a risk, you will never know what changes you need to make.Each arrow leaves a memory in your heart, and it is the sum of those memories that will make you shoot better and better.

The Arrow

The target is the objective to be reached.It was chosen by the archer and though it is a long way oﬀ, we cannot blame it when we fail to hit it. In this lies the beauty of the way of the bow: you can never excuse yourself by saying that your opponent was stronger than you. You were the one who chose the target and you are responsible for it. The target can be larger, smaller, to the right or the left , but you always have to stand before it, respect it, and bring it closer mentally.

The Target

Elegance is achieved when everything superfluous has been discarded, and the archer discovers simplicity and concentration; the simpler and more sober the posture, the more beautiful.

The Posture

The snow is lovely because it has only one color, the sea is lovely because it appears to be a completely flat surface, but both sea and snow are deep and know their own qualities.

The archer learns when he forgets all about the rules of the way of the bow and goes on to act entirely on instinct. In order, though to be able to forget the rules, it is necessary to respect them and to know them. When he reaches this state, he no longer needs the instruments that helped him to learn. He no longer needs the bow or the arrows or the target, because the path is more important than the thing that first set him on that path. Between one action and the next, the archer remembers everything he has done; he talks with his allies; he rests and is content with the fact of being alive

THE ARCHER WITHOUT BOW, WITHOUT ARROW, WITHOUT TARGET

The Archer uses archery as a metaphor for life’s challenges and our journey towards mastery and fulfillment.

From the #1 best-selling author of The Alchemist comes an inspiring story about a young man seeking wisdom from an elder, and the practical lessons imparted along the way. Includes stunning illustrations by Christoph Niemann. “A novelist who writes in a universal language.” —The New York Times In The Archer we meet Tetsuya, a man once famous for his prodigious gift with a bow and arrow but who has since retired from public life, and the boy who comes searching for him. The boy has many questions, and in answering them Tetsuya illustrates the way of the bow and the tenets of a meaningful life. Paulo Coelho's story suggests that living without a connection between action and soul cannot fulfill, that a life constricted by fear of rejection or failure is not a life worth living. Instead one must take risks, build courage, and embrace the unexpected journey fate has to offer. With the wisdom, generosity, simplicity, and grace that have made him an international best seller, Paulo Coelho provides the framework for a rewarding life: hard work, passion, purpose, thoughtfulness, the willingness to fail, and the urge to make a difference.

philosophy

Philosophy

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

strategy

Strategy

books

Books

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

Paulo Coelho de Souza is a Brazilian lyricist and novelist and a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters since 2002. His novel The Alchemist became an international best-seller and he has published 30 more books since then.

Paulo Coelho

The Archer

In The Analects by Confucius, Confucius, also known as the Master, states that he enjoys studying philosophy and is gradually incorporating its lessons into his daily life. Yu, one of his disciples, comments that the root of a man's character is his behavior during childhood; if during childhood a boy is obedient, he will grow into a man who has respect for his superiors and does not instigate rebellion. Indeed, the Master believes that it is critical to show respect for one's parents.

Confucius's Passion for Philosophy and Filial Piety

According to him, a son is loyal to his parents if, three years after his father's death, he has not departed from his father's ways. This is what it meant to be filial in antiquity. Nowadays, the Master explains, many people interpret being filial as simply providing food and drink for one's parents in their old age. If you don't show your parents a lot of respect, then giving them food is like giving them the same treatment as giving food to your animals. This is silly, says the Master; parents deserve respect.

To sacrifice to those who are not one’s ancestors is flattery. To see what is right and not do it is cowardly.

According to the Master, acquiring knowledge is critical, and one must develop effective learning techniques. For example, he believes that one must be willing to learn from others while also thinking independently. The Master enters the great temple on one occasion and asks numerous questions. Someone who was also present is puzzled after he departs.

The Importance of Knowledge and Questioning

Confucius is said to be an expert on the rites; however, if this is true, why did he ask so many questions? When Confucius hears of this, he says that asking questions in itself is a rite. Confucius is deeply concerned with the antiquity of ancient rites. Confucius is frustrated when someone wishes to abolish the tradition of sheep sacrifice on the new moon day. He is opposed to abolishing tradition.

For Confucius, cultivating the virtue of benevolence is critical. While gentlemen strive for benevolence because they recognize its importance, small men strive for it because they believe it will benefit them to appear benevolent.

The Virtue of Benevolence and Self-Reflection

Confucius praises those who are able to hold themselves accountable and commit to positive change when they realize they are in the wrong about something, but he is on the verge of giving up hope because he has yet to meet a man who is willing to do so. Although he believes that there are many people who are equally trustworthy and dedicated to a life of service as he is, he feels that he will never meet anyone who is just as eager to learn as he is.

He believes that men who seek to be ingratiating and use cutting language will never achieve benevolence. When the Master considers himself, he fears most failing in his efforts to cultivate virtue through a thorough understanding of the material he has studied. For him, benevolence is only achieved through overcoming oneself, and a person can overcome themselves through dedicated observation of the rites. The Master takes care to distinguish material success from benevolence.

Confucius believes that while one must use the study of the rites to inform their position in public office, if one lacks the ability to apply the study of antiquity, they are unfit to hold office. He believes that leaders should be generous with their followers, not overwork them or tax them unfairly. He believes that understanding the rites is critical to one's ability to participate meaningfully in society.

Rites, Leadership, and Serving Society

Confucius is one of the most humane, rational, and lucid of moral teachers, concerned not with arcane metaphysics but with practical issues of life and conduct. What is virtue? What sort of life is most conducive to happiness? How should the state be ruled? What is the proper relationship between human beings and their environment?  In this classic translation of The Analects by Arthur Waley, the questions Confucius addressed two and a half millennia ago remain as relevant as ever.

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

politics

Politics

In this gem-like translation by Simon Leys, Confucius speaks with clarity and brilliance. He emerges as a man of great passion and many enthusiasms, a man of bold action whose true vocation is politics. Confucius (551-479 B.C.) lived in an age of acute cultural and political crisis. Many of his observations mark a world sinking into violence and barbarity. Unable to obtain the leading political role he sought, he endeavored to reform society and salvage civilization through ethical debate, defining for ages to come the public mission of the intellectual.

Confucius

The Analects of Confucius

The Analects

Lesson: Don't waste energy on things outside your control. Focus on your own actions and reactions.

Focus On What You Can Control

You have power over your mind not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

Lesson: Consider the worst-case scenario to reduce fear and anxiety. This helps you appreciate what you have.

Practice Negative Visualisation

He who fears death will never do anything worth of a man who is alive.

Lesson: Growth comes from discomfort and challenges. Embrace hardship as part of your development.

Embrace Discomfort

Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.

Lesson: Accept life's ebbs and flows. Align yourself with the natural course of life instead of fighting it.

Live in Accordance with Nature

Nature does nothing in vain.

Lesson: Events themselves don't upset us, but our judgments about them do. Train yourself to view situations rationally.

Be Mindful of Your Judgments

It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.

Lesson: Discipline is the path to freedom. Cultivate self-control to master your mind and desires.

Practice Self Discipline

No man is free who is not master of himself.

Lesson: Reflect on your mortality regularly. This keeps you grounded and appreciative of the present moment.

Embrace Mortality

It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.

Lesson: Live by your principles, not by emotions or the behavior of others. Virtue should guide your actions.

Be Virtuous, Not Reactive

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.

Lesson: Change is the only constant. Accept it and adjust rather than resist it.

Accept Change

Everything changes and nothing remains still... you cannot step twice into the same stream.

Lesson: Adversity is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser. Treat every challenge as a stepping stone. Edit : During reviewing this post I found some gaps and blanks here and there which are now fixed. I'm really sorry and I'll try that this doesn't happen again.If you want to help me buy books for college, you can donate here. <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/manas.purwar">Click here to Donate</a>Any amount makes a huge difference!

Find Strength in Adversity

The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it.

mentalhealth

Mental Health

longevity

Longevity

10 STOIC LESSONS to strengthen your mind

Explore how even seemingly average characters in Haikyu!! can offer profound inspiration. Tanaka, despite not being the most naturally talented player, demonstrates the power of perseverance, mental fortitude, and self-belief. He shows us that we don't have to be exceptional to make a difference and achieve our goals.

Find Inspiration in the "Average" with Haikyu!!

Unpack a pivotal scene in Haikyu!! where Tanaka delivers a powerful message about overcoming feelings of mediocrity. When faced with self-doubt and setbacks, he reminds us to keep our heads up and focus on the present moment. His words encourage us to keep climbing towards our goals, step by step, regardless of how challenging the journey may seem.

Do You Really Have Time to Be Looking Down?

Follow Tanaka's journey in Haikyu!! as he confronts self-doubt and learns to embrace his role on the team. Witness how he bounces back from repeated blocks and failures on the court, demonstrating the importance of resilience and a "never give up" attitude. His story inspires us to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.

The Power of Perseverance: Tanaka's Inspiring Story in Haikyu!!

Celebrate the unsung heroes in Haikyu!!, focusing on Tanaka's contributions to the team despite not being the star player. He may not be the ace, but his energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering support for his teammates are invaluable. His story shows us that everyone has a role to play and that strength comes in many forms.

Beyond the Ace!

Analyze how Tanaka's journey in Haikyu!! teaches us about self-acceptance and courage. He learns to embrace his perceived limitations and find confidence in his own unique abilities. His story encourages us to acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses, overcome self-doubt, and have the courage to keep pushing ourselves.

A Journey of Self-Acceptance and Courage

I like this character because I think a lot of us can relate to him! This anime is known to be really good, so I would definitely recommend it to you all!

It's very common nowadays for people to use anime for motivation - listening to soundtracks in the gym, watching big scenes before a big moment IRL, or just rewatching THAT moment when we're at a low point. I could name countless motivational anime quotes or scenes, but of all of them, my favourite is undoubtedly "Tanaka's Greatest Moment" - his cross shot against Inarizaki to win the first set.

Tanaka's whole speech about how he's "Nothing but average", and therefore has  is something that's always really inspired me. During my absolute lowest moments, his following line is one that's played in my head again and again.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro
01:05 Tanaka Ryūnosuke
01:45 Karasuno vs Inarizaki
04:08 Karasuno set point(s)
05:00 Tanaka is doing well
06:38 Tanaka's greatest moment
10:55 The monster's ball 
12:18 "We need your attacks, Tanaka"
13:12 Tanaka's new path
15:33 Outro

LINKS:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LessonsOfAnime

Discord: https://discord.gg/8xkPxSykK7

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LessonsFromAnime/membership

Backup Channel:   https://www.youtube.com/@UCTf_WVEXFoG68EnxLKasTiw

MUSIC USED:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_q7fXp6ilc&t=1s @DudesCover 

https://pixabay.com/music/build-up-scenes-desire-for-freedom-124112/

https://pixabay.com/music/beautiful-plays-spirit-landscape-118015/

https://pixabay.com/music/beautiful-plays-inspiring-cinematic-ambient-116199/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnppFeDPtLg @DudesCover 

https://pixabay.com/music/beautiful-plays-cold-cinematic-landscape-116954/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q50iyp593UE @DudesCover

movies

Movies & Shows

videos

Videos

A 24 year old yapper, open to sponsor offers!

As I keep getting a lot of requests, sorry to say I currently have no interest in any thumbnail creators/editors/shorts creation etc. That may change in future, but not right now.

p.s. do not try and steal my videos and re-upload in a different language - I will take them down.


Lessons From Anime

Anime's single most motivating line (Tanaka Ryūnosuke)

The Book of Awakening is a collection of daily reflections aimed at fostering spiritual growth and self-awareness. Written by poet and philosopher Mark Nepo, each entry is designed to encourage readers to embrace the present moment, practice gratitude, and connect more deeply with themselves and the world.

Summary

Embracing the Present. Nepo emphasizes living fully in the present moment, urging readers to let go of past regrets and future anxieties. By embracing the present, we find clarity/peace.Self-Compassion and Healing. The book gently guides readers toward self-acceptance/healing. Nepo discusses the importance of being kind to ourselves, acknowledging pain without letting it define us.Finding Meaning in Everyday Life. Nepo believes that life’s deepest truths and most profound awakenings can be found in everyday experiences. He encourages readers to be open to the lessons hidden in mundane moments.

Key Themes

Resistance vs. Surrender: True growth often requires letting go of resistance and surrendering to what life is offering in the moment, even if it is painful or uncertain.The Value of Stillness: Pausing and reflecting allows us to truly hear our inner voice and gain insight into what matters most.Interconnectedness: We are all part of a larger whole, and recognizing this interconnectedness leads to compassion, empathy, and greater connection with others.

Notable Insights

Daily Practices to Foster Awareness: Nepo includes meditative exercises and reflections to help readers integrate the lessons into their lives, fostering mindfulness and connection.Living Authentically: The book’s reflections inspire readers to let go of societal expectations and embrace their authentic selves.Gratitude as a Path to Joy: Gratitude is highlighted as a powerful practice to shift focus from what is lacking to the abundance already present in life.

Key Takeaways

A new edition of the #1 NYT’s bestseller by Mark Nepo, who has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time” and “a consummate storyteller.”Philosopher-poet and cancer survivor Mark Nepo opens a new season of freedom and joy—an escape from deadening, asleep-at-the wheel sameness—that is both profound and clarifying.His spiritual daybook is a summons to reclaim aliveness, liberate the self, take each day one at a time, and savor the beauty offered by life's unfolding. Reading his poetic prose is like being given second sight, exposing the reader to life's multiple dimensions, each one drawn with awe and affection.The Book of Awakening is the result of Nepo’s journey of the soul and will inspire others to embark on their own. He speaks of spirit and friendship, urging readers to stay vital and in love with this life, no matter the hardships. Encompassing many traditions and voices, Nepo's words offer insight on pain, wonder, and love. Each entry is accompanied by an exercise that will surprise and delight the reader in its mind-waking ability.

religionandspirituality

Religion & Spirituality

mindfulness

Mindfulness

meditation

Meditation

Mark Nepo

The Book of Awakening

On Confidence by Alain de Botton delves into the complexities of self-assurance, addressing the pervasive issues that prevent individuals from realizing their full potential. Through this insightful exploration, de Botton breaks down confidence to help readers understand and cultivate it. The book reveals that confidence is not innate but can be consciously developed through introspection and practice.

Introduction

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">De Botton explores confidence as a dynamic quality one can cultivate rather than an inherent trait.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">He illustrates how confidence relates to self-perception and how we respond to the world, ultimately shaping our successes and failures.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Confidence is a combination of self-acceptance and a realistic understanding of human limitations.</li></ul>

The Nature of Confidence

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The book addresses external and internal factors undermining confidence, such as societal expectations, fear of judgment, and self-criticism.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">De Botton emphasizes the impact of early life experiences and social conditioning, which shape our sense of self-worth and willingness to take risks.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">He also identifies perfectionism as a major obstacle, as it often leads to inaction and self-doubt.</li></ul>

Common Obstacles to Confidence

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">According to de Botton, embracing vulnerability is crucial for genuine confidence; he discusses how accepting imperfections allows individuals to grow.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">This section encourages readers to adopt a more forgiving view of their mistakes, seeing them as learning opportunities rather than failures.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">De Botton also argues that acknowledging our vulnerability can build resilience, allowing us to face challenges with greater courage.</li></ul>

The Role of Vulnerability

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">De Botton highlights the importance of self-awareness in fostering confidence, suggesting that understanding oneself deeply can mitigate negative self-talk.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">He advocates for a compassionate approach to self-critique, urging readers to treat themselves with the same kindness they would offer others.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Through self-reflection exercises, readers are guided to identify their strengths and weaknesses without harsh judgment, building a stable foundation for confidence.</li></ul>

Developing Self-Awareness and Compassion

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The book concludes with actionable advice on building confidence, recommending practices such as goal-setting, gradual exposure to challenges, and seeking supportive relationships.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">De Botton encourages readers to take small, calculated risks, reinforcing that confidence grows through experience and overcoming minor setbacks.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">He emphasizes the role of persistence and adaptability in nurturing confidence, suggesting that progress, not perfection, should be the ultimate goal.</li></ul>

Taking Practical Steps to Build Confidence

In On Confidence, Alain de Botton offers a fresh, compassionate perspective on developing self-assurance, urging readers to replace self-doubt with self-understanding and patience. His insights remind us that confidence is less about innate talent and more about the courage to accept our vulnerabilities and to persist despite setbacks. The book serves as a philosophical reflection and a practical guide for those seeking a more confident approach to life.

Conclusion

Progress, not perfection, should be the ultimate goal...

The difference between success and failure often hangs on a fascinatingly small and elusive concept that our standard education system never touches: confidence. This is a guidebook to what confidence consists of, why we lack it - and how we can acquire more of it in our lives. On Confidence walks us gently and wryly around the key issues that stop us from making more of our potential. We hear about the impostor syndrome, the wisdom of imagining the great in their bathrooms and what Nietzsche and Montaigne (among others) have to tell us about resilience and courage. We often stay stuck with the level of confidence we have because we implicitly regard being confident as a matter of slightly freakish and unrepeatable good luck. In fact, as this essay charmingly shows, the opposite is true. Confidence is a skill based on a set of ideas about our place in the world - and its secrets can quietly and deftly be learnt. What people are saying about On Confidence: “Awesome graphic design and the paper quality is amazing.” Joana “Great content, engagingly written.” Janine “Great life advice without being overly pedantic. Cleverly written, digestible format.” Carolyn

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

humanresources

Human Resources

The School of Life

On Confidence

This explores the counterintuitive idea that true success often comes from a place of humility, not ego. It explains how excessive self-focus can blind us to our weaknesses and hinder our growth, while humility allows us to learn from mistakes, embrace feedback, and ultimately achieve more.

Humility: The Unexpected Key to Success

We all have an inner voice that can be critical and self-doubting. This summary explains how this "ego" can sabotage our efforts and hold us back. It provides strategies for recognizing and managing this inner critic, allowing us to focus on our goals with confidence and resilience.

Taming Your Inner Critic: How to Stop Self-Sabotage

Our ego can drive us to seek validation and praise, often at the expense of genuine fulfillment. It explains how shifting our focus from pride to purpose—from seeking external approval to pursuing meaningful goals—can lead to greater satisfaction and lasting success.

The Power of Purpose Over Pride: Finding Fulfillment in Achievement

This book  explores the paradoxical idea that focusing less on ourselves and more on contributing to something larger than ourselves can actually lead to greater personal success. It explains how cultivating gratitude, serving others, and finding joy in the process of achievement can unlock our full potential.

Achieve More by Seeking Less: The Paradox of True Success

The book also explains how an excessive focus on ourselves—our image, our achievements, our perceived "specialness"—can prevent us from reaching our full potential. It provides strategies for overcoming self-obsession, staying grounded in reality, and focusing on continuous learning and growth.

Mastering Yourself: How to Overcome Self-Obsession and Reach Your Full Potential

This resonated with me because it effectively explains important philosophical concepts that many of us could benefit from applying to our lives.

The instant Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and international bestseller “While the history books are filled with tales of obsessive visionary geniuses who remade the world in their image with sheer, almost irrational force, I’ve found that history is also made by individuals who fought their egos at every turn, who eschewed the spotlight, and who put their higher goals above their desire for recognition.” —from the prologue   Many of us insist the main impediment to a full, successful life is the outside world. In fact, the most common enemy lies within: our ego. Early in our careers, it impedes learning and the cultivation of talent. With success, it can blind us to our faults and sow future problems. In failure, it magnifies each blow and makes recovery more difficult. At every stage, ego holds us back.   Ego Is the Enemy draws on a vast array of stories and examples, from literature to philosophy to his­tory. We meet fascinating figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt, who all reached the highest levels of power and success by con­quering their own egos. Their strategies and tactics can be ours as well.   In an era that glorifies social media, reality TV, and other forms of shameless self-promotion, the battle against ego must be fought on many fronts. Armed with the lessons in this book, as Holiday writes, “you will be less invested in the story you tell about your own specialness, and as a result, you will be liberated to accomplish the world-changing work you’ve set out to achieve.”

problemsolving

Problem Solving

Ryan Holiday is media strategist for notorious clients like Tucker Max and Dov Charney. After dropping out of college at 19 to apprentice under the strategist Robert Greene, he went on to advise many bestselling authors and multi-platinum musicians. He is the Director of Marketing at American Apparel, where his work in advertising was internationally known. His strategies are used as case studies by Twitter, YouTube, and Google, and have been written about in AdAge, the New York Times, Gawker, and Fast Company. He is the author is *Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator*, which is due out in July. He currently lives in New Orleans, with his rebellious puppy, Hanno.

Ryan Holiday

Ego Is the Enemy

"The Romans didn’t believe that an exceptionally gifted person was a genius; they believed that an exceptionally gifted person had a genius.The idea of an external genius helps to keep the artist’s ego in check, distancing him somewhat from the burden of taking either full credit or full blame for the outcome of his work. If your work is successful, in other words, you are obliged to thank your external genius for the help, thus holding you back from total narcissism. And if your work fails, it’s not entirely your fault. You can say, “Hey, don’t look at me—my genius didn’t show up today!”

The Genius Concept in Ancient Rome

"Creative entitlement simply means believing that you are allowed to be here and, merely by being here, you are allowed to have a voice and a vision of your own.The poet David Whyte calls this sense of creative entitlement "the arrogance of belonging".Often, what keeps you from creative living is your self-absorption (your self-doubt, your self-disgust, your self-judgment, your crushing sense of self-protection). The arrogance of belonging pulls you out of the darkest depths of self-hatred - not by saying "I am the greatest!" but merely by saying "I am here!"

Creative Entitlement

“I’ll tell you who I am: I am a child of God, just like anyone else. I am a constituent of this universe. I have invisible spirit benefactors who believe in me, and who labor alongside me. The fact that I am here at all is evidence that I have the right to be here. I have a right to my own voice and a right to my own vision. I have a right to collaborate with creativity, because I myself am a product and a consequence of Creation. I’m on a mission of artistic liberation, so let the girl go.”

I have a right to my own voice...

"Just say what you want to say, then, and say it with all your heart. Share whatever you are driven to share. If it’s authentic enough, believe me—it will feel original."

“You can recognize the people who live for others by the haunted look on the faces of the others.” I would so much rather that you wrote a book in order to entertain yourself than to help me."

"Merely by pursuing what you love, you may inadvertently end up helping us plenty. (“There is no love which does not become help,” taught the theologian Paul Tillich.) Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart. The rest of it will take care of itself."

When you do what you love, it lights up the world...

"It doesn't matter whether you are a genius in something or not. Don't burden yourself with such labels. Just love and enjoy what you're doing. Your joy and lightness are the only needed components for inspiration to approach you.""Actually, pigeonholing is something people need to do in order to feel that they have set the chaos of existence into some kind of reassuring order. Thus, people will stick you into all sorts of boxes. They will call you a genius, a fraud, an amateur, or a pretender."

It doesn't matter....

"It doesn’t matter in the least. Let people have their opinions. More than that—let people be in love with their opinions, just as you and I are in love with ours. But never delude yourself into believing that you require someone else’s blessing (or even their comprehension) in order to make your own creative work. And always remember that people’s judgments about you are none of your business."

Let people have their opinions

"It would be unreasonable and immature of me to expect that I should be allowed to have a voice of expression, but other people should not. If I am allowed to speak my inner truth, then my critics are allowed to speak their inner truths, as well. Fair’s fair. If you dare to create something and put it out there, after all, then it may accidentally stir up a response. That’s the natural order of life: the eternal inhale and exhale of action and reaction."

"You don’t just get to leap from bright moment to bright moment. How you manage yourself between those bright moments, when things aren’t going so great, is a measure of how devoted you are to your vocation, and how equipped you are for the weird demands of creative living."

"I think it’s far more honorable to stay in the game—even if you’re objectively failing at the game—than to excuse yourself from participation because of your delicate sensibilities. But in order to stay in the game, you must let go of your fantasy of perfection.It starts by forgetting about perfect. We don’t have time for perfect. In any event, perfection is unachievable: It’s a myth and a trap and a hamster wheel that will run you to death."

Illusion of Perfection

The writer Rebecca Solnit puts it well: “So many of us believe in perfection, which ruins everything else, because the perfect is not only the enemy of the good; it’s also the enemy of the realistic, the possible, and the fun.”

"When you finally realize this liberating truth—nobody was ever thinking about you, anyhow. They aren’t. They weren’t. They never were. People are mostly just thinking about themselves."

Liberating Truth...

"You try and try and try, and nothing works. But you keep trying, and you keep seeking, and then sometimes, in the least expected place and time, it finally happens."

"What you produce is not necessarily always sacred, I realized, just because you think it’s sacred. What is sacred is the time that you spend working on the project, and what that time does to expand your imagination, and what that expanded imagination does to transform your life. The more lightly you can pass that time, the brighter your existence becomes.Our creation, art is just one of forms. And we should not get attached to it. If we get attached to whatever form, our infinit nature gets refuced to this single, finit form. We should treat our creations lightly.... Iike a game."

Like a Game

"My favorite meditation teacher, Pema Chödrön, once said that the biggest problem she sees with people’s meditation practice is that they quit just when things are starting to get interesting. Which is to say, they quit as soon as things aren’t easy anymore, as soon as it gets painful, or boring, or agitating. They quit as soon as they see something in their minds that scares them or hurts them. So they miss the good part, the wild part, the transformative part—the part when you push past the difficulty and enter into some raw new unexplored universe within yourself. "

When things are getting interesting

"Don’t let go of your courage the moment things stop being easy or rewarding. Because that moment? That’s the moment when interesting begins."

"Martha Beck says of the ego, “Don’t leave home without it.” But do not let your ego totally run the show, or it will shut down the show." Your ego is a wonderful servant, but it’s a terrible master—because the only thing your ego ever wants is reward, reward, and more reward. And since there’s never enough reward to satisfy, your ego will always be disappointed."

"In other words: If you can’t do what you long to do, go do something else. Go walk the dog, go pick up every bit of trash on the street outside your home, go walk the dog again, go bake a peach cobbler, go paint some pebbles with brightly colored nail polish and put them in a pile. You might think it’s procrastination, but—with the right intention—it isn’t; it’s motion. And any motion whatsoever beats inertia, because inspiration will always be drawn to motion. So wave your arms around. Make something. Do something. Do anything."

How to find inspiration?

“I am certain I will be a success”—because that is not fierce trust; that is innocent trust, and I am asking you to put aside your innocence for a moment.Fierce trust demands that you put forth the work anyhow, because fierce trust knows that the outcome does not matter. The outcome cannot matter. Fierce trust asks you to stand strong within this truth: “You are worthy, dear one, regardless of the outcome. You will keep making your work, regardless of the outcome."

Fierce Trust

The fiercest questions of all are these:<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">What would you do even if you knew that you might very well fail?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">What do you love doing so much that the words failure and success essentially become irrelevant?</li><li class="ql-align-justify">What do you love even more than you love your own ego?</li></ol>

Fierce Questions

“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?

Because it's fun

"Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it doesn’t matter at all. We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits. We are terrified, and we are brave. Art is a crushing chore and a wonderful privilege. Only when we are at our most playful can divinity finally get serious with us. Make space for all these paradoxes to be equally true inside your soul, and I promise—you can make anything."

Paradoxes of Creativity

Hello my friends! I am exited to share some of my favorite highlights from the book "Big Magic" with you. I hope you find them as inspiring as I did. Enjoy! :)

The instant #1 NEW YORK TIMES Bestseller "A must read for anyone hoping to live a creative life... I dare you not to be inspired to be brave, to be free, and to be curious.” —PopSugar From the worldwide bestselling author of Eat Pray Love and City of Girls: the path to the vibrant, fulfilling life you’ve dreamed of.   Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work,  embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

Big Magic

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