EMPOWERING READS FOR YOUR LIFE WORK
Four years back, when I grabbed that paintbrush, it wasn't just about putting color on canvas. It was like uncorking a bottle of fizzing creativity that had been building up for ages! Art quickly became my go-to escape, especially when Covid was turning things topsy-turvy. And like a big, comforting hug, it helped me bounce back from losing my brother and shake off the burnout from dealing with the nitty-gritty side of film and animation.
Books became my trusty sidekicks during my artist exploration, written by fellow artists , creatives and entrepreneurs who'd been through the wringer. They weren't just a good read; they were like having a personal cheerleading squad and life coach! They nudged me to take risks, to break out of dusty ways of thinking, and handed me tools to tackle any curveball I may encounter on my way. They gave me this solid ground to stand on, reminding me I’m on the right path and I’m here to offer my unique visions and expressions to my tribe!
So, if you're on the lookout for some creative mojo or need a little pick-me-up during your own venture, I hope these books prove invaluable.
THE ARTIST WAY
by Julia Cameron
Julia Cameron's insights on creativity recovery are unparalleled. She emphasizes that our inner artist is like a child, often suppressed or wounded by external systems or authority figures early on in life. To coax it back into the open to play freely, Cameron advocates for intentional and consistent nurturing. Her prescribed practices, such as Morning Pages and Weekly Artist Dates, serve as vital tools to reconnect with our creative selves and foster a sense of safety, self-acceptance, and abundance. I've been practicing both for about a year and a half now, and I can't begin to express how much I cherish the clarity that Morning Pages have brought into my life, as well as the self-love I've experienced during my Weekly Artist Dates. Throughout her book, Cameron shares profound wisdom that illuminates our inner workings. Here’s one gem on Anger: "(Anger is) a very, very loyal friend. It will always tell us when we have been betrayed. It will always tell us when we have betrayed ourselves. It will always tell us that it is time to act in our own best interests. Anger is not the action itself. It is action’s invitation."
2. TURNING PRO
by Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield wrote for 17 years before he earned his first penny (a $3500 option on a screenplay that was never produced), wrote for 27 years before he got his first novel published (The Legend of Bagger Vance, which was adapted to a movie). During that time he worked 21 different jobs across eleven states in America. He taught school, drove tractor-trailers, wrote in advertising and Hollywood, worked on offshore oil rigs, even picked fruit as a migrant worker… TURNING PRO is a follow up to his best seller THE WAR OF ART which I also whole-heartedly recommend, both inspires readers to overcome resistance and turn their passions into their life’s work. In his eloquent words, “what we get when we turn pro is we find our power. We find our will and our voice and we find our self-respect. We become who we always were but had, until then, been afraid to embrace and live out.” Personally, I find solace in listening to Pressfield narrate his own book. His seasoned warrior-like voice resonates deeply, shaking me out of uninspired slumps and procrastination. In his no-nonsense approach and most genuine care to help you finding your true self, he humorously and insightfully exposes the excuses we fabricate to avoid pursuing our life's calling, guiding us to humbly take small steps each day without allowing our egos to sidetrack us.
3. EVERYTHING IS FIGUREOUTABLE
by Marie Forleo
If you are a fan of real-life stories, Marie's book beautifully illustrates how she inherited the mantra "Everything is Figureoutable" from her resourceful mother, who, in an era devoid of YouTube, Google, or AI, ingeniously mended roofs, fixed leaks, and repaired broken radio antennas. Throughout the book, Marie shares riveting accounts of applying this principle to conquer career challenges and tackle real-life problems head-on. From her childhood aspirations of becoming a dancer despite lacking formal training to landing opportunities with major brands like Nike and MTV, Marie's journey exemplifies unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity. One memorable instance recounts how she and her husband narrowly avoided missing a flight to Italy due to unexpected traffic and parking issues. Yet, by embracing the 'everything is figureoutable' mindset, they managed to reunite at the airport and salvage their vacation plans just in time. Every now and then, when I found myself overwhelmed by seemingly unsolvable challenges, Marie's powerful belief that 'everything is figureoutable' would pop into my mind like a bright light bulb, instantly unsticking me from my freeze or flight trauma responses! Brimming with Marie's infectious enthusiasm, unconventional thinking, and courageous spirit, this book promises to inject fresh insight and daring ideas into your own pursuits.
4. BELIEVE IT
by Jamie Kern Lima
In "Believe It," IT Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima shares her captivating journey from personal adversity to extraordinary entrepreneurial triumph. Departing from her role as a TV anchor due to rosacea, a condition defying conventional cosmetics, Lima boldly ventures into uncharted territory. Her mission? To empower women with sensitive skin, dismantling beauty industry norms rooted in unattainable standards. The outcome is nothing short of revolutionary: a groundbreaking cosmetic solution born from her unwavering commitment to authenticity.
From these modest beginnings emerges a trailblazing leader, challenging the status quo as L'Oréal's first female CEO in its 100+ history and claiming the title of Forbes' wealthiest self-made woman. Yet amidst her remarkable achievements, Lima faces numerous moments of vulnerability, such as the heart-wrenching encounter with a dismissive venture capitalist who doubted her potential: "No one is going to buy makeup from someone who has your body." Faced with the brink of bankruptcy and the temptation to abandon her dreams, Lima finds herself in a moment of despair. However, in the stillness of her darkest hour, she discovers an unshakable belief: they are wrong. Lima's resilience shines as she defies narrow-minded judgments, reaffirming her inherent worth and purpose.
Lima’s story echoes the experiences of countless women grappling with the pervasive sense of inadequacy that plagues modern society. She transcends the 'never enough' syndrome within the crucible of business, where setbacks and rejections become catalysts for self-trust and growth. Through her raw authenticity and compassionate wisdom, Lima inspires us to embrace the limitless possibilities that await when we courageously step into our full power."