Courage pays off

“How did you start writing again”, a very nice lady asked me the other night. “Were you in pain? Were you suffering?”

I looked at her and replied:

“Why on Earth would somebody need to suffer to become creative? This one of most twisted idea I have heard. ”

It’s true writers such as Proust or Goethe were inspired by pain but I think of it as pure coincidence. In my opinion, the artist, no matter the outer circumstances of his life, is a happy person. Because he knows precisely what his talent is and has the opportunity to express it and give it to the world. He has this amazing gift of seeing and hearing and smelling and touching things other persons don’t. And not because they can’t, but because they are to busy living in their minds instead the real world. Since I was a child, I always felt there was more to life  than getting job, getting married, buying a house and a car, watching TV and have fun. It took me many years to find out that this something I was looking for, sensing it  there, within reach, but not knowing how to name it, the only thing that could make me happy was ….my gift. Being aware of it, expressing it, polishing it and giving it to the world.

I think artists inspire people beyond their work. Their existence is proof that doing what you love in life can bring you happiness and abundance. It goes the same for athletes, entrepreneurs and all the people with a vision. Of course not everybody is born with a talent for arts or  business. But, still, every single person is born with a gift. You don’t know which is yours?

It’s easy to identify it: it makes your heart sing. You would do it 24 /7. You would do it even for free. You may be reluctant, at the beginning, to follow it. You have bills to pay.  Your parents told you when you were young you had to have a job to make a living. Or to work hard. But contrary to what they said, it is enough to take one small step in its direction and you will realise that the Universe backs you up. Serendipity meets you half way and unexpected opportunities arise.

Ultimately, the courage of being authentic, especially in a society that encourages pretence, is rewarded. One more thing: it is never too late.

There is always a right to follow your dream