Authenticity

"On a Roll" | I've been thinking of a conversation I had recently with another artist who was feeling frustrated that others were creating their same ideas. Sometimes it feels like nothing original is left, and that everything you want to do is already being done (and maybe done better?) by others around you. Today I was reading my new favorite book, "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert (have you read it yet? wow! so many great ideas to encourage living a creative life), and she said this, "The older I get, the less impressed I become with originality. These days, I'm far more moved by authenticity. Attempts at originality can often feel forced and precious, but authenticity has quiet resonance that never fails to stir me. 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." Amen!