Elizabeth Gilbert's Blog, page 102
January 7, 2014
A STORY ABOUT PERSEVERANCE. Several years ago, my Uncle Nick went to see the…
A STORY ABOUT PERSEVERANCE.
Several years ago, my Uncle Nick went to see the great American author Richard Ford give a talk at a bookstore. After the reading, a middle-aged man in the audience stood up during Q&A, and said this:
"Mr. Ford, you and I have something in common. Just like you, I have been writing short stories and novels my entire life. You and I are about the same age, from the same background, and we write about the same themes. The only difference is that you have become a celebrated great man of letters, and I — despite decades of effort — have still never been published. This is heartbreaking to me. I have dedicated my life to writing, but with no reward. My spirit has been crushed by all the rejection and disappointment. I wonder if you have any advice for me — but please, sir, whatever you do, don't just dismissively tell me to persevere, because that's the only thing people ever tell me to do, and hearing that only makes things worse."
According to my uncle, Richard Ford said in reply, "Sir, I am so sorry for your disappointment. And please believe me, I would never insult you by telling you to simply persevere. I can't even imagine how discouraging that would be for you to hear after all these years of rejection. In fact, I will tell you something else — something that may surprise you. I'm going to tell you that you need to give up. You need to quit writing."
The audience froze. What the hell kind of encouragement was this?
But Richard Ford went on: "I say this to you only because clearly this work is bringing you no pleasure and no satisfaction. Our time on earth short, and it should be enjoyed. I give you permission to leave this dream behind and go find something else to do with your life. Go find something to do that you love, something that brings you reward and peace. Go see the world, take up new hobbies, spend time with your family and friends, fall in love, RELAX. But don't write anymore, because it seems to be killing you."
There was a long silence, and then Mr. Ford smiled kindly, and added, almost as an afterthought: "However, I will say this. If you should happen to discover, after a few years away from writing, that there is nothing you have found in the world that takes the place of writing in your life — nothing that elevates you or inspires you or moves you to the same degree that writing did….well, then, sir, I'm terribly afraid you will have no choice but to return to your labors…and to persevere."
The end.
Use this story however you need it today, guys.
ONWARD,
Liz
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HAPPINESS JARS made by Christine and her husband for the teens that they work wi…
HAPPINESS JARS made by Christine and her husband for the teens that they work with. Brought tears to my eyes…thank you, Christine, and bless you!
Photos of Elizabeth Gilbert
My husband and I work with teens. Yesterday we made happiness jars with them. They all loved it. We used sugar jars because blessings are sweet.
via Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook Wall
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SOAT in Saudi Arabia…amazing!
SOAT in Saudi Arabia…amazing!
Photos of Elizabeth Gilbert
Brought your book with me to visit the archaeological remnants in Saudi Arabia, the old town of Al Ulah some over 2000 years old. 
via Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook Wall
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SOAT in Hungary! Beautiful…
SOAT in Hungary! Beautiful…
Photos of Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth, Alma says hi from Hungary too. (–quite a few mossy old buildings here too.) :))) Xxxx, A
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Cat get exhausted reading books like THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS!
Cat get exhausted reading books like THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS!
Photos of Elizabeth Gilbert
Daisy was reading to me, but it's a little hard for her. She's pooped now, but she loves Alma.
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January 6, 2014
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
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In defense of creativity over destruction…ALWAYS.
In defense of creativity over destruction…ALWAYS.
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“I find lately that you are carrying on with laughter altogether too long. I nev…
"I find lately that you are carrying on with laughter altogether too long. I never met a truly dignified woman who honked like a goose."
— Beatrix Whittaker, scolding her daughter Alma's manners, from THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS.
Well, there goes my dignity, then!
I thought you might enjoy these photos, and a lovely post from a follower of this page named Lauren Wickline McCallister about an event I did in California last year with the great writer Kelly Corrigan. The hysteria came after Kelly asked me a question on stage that made me laugh so hard I almost broke a rib. (As I recall, the question was about Alma's scenes in the "binding closet", and whether they were drawn from, er, real life experience.)
The hell with dignity, and onward with goose-honking!
And here is Lauren's piece, if you want to read it:
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A beautiful HAPPINESS JAR from Lauren, along with a brave tale. Blessings to you…
A beautiful HAPPINESS JAR from Lauren, along with a brave tale. Blessings to you, Lauren…
Photos of Elizabeth Gilbert
Dear Liz,
Right now I am feeling miserable. I have to make an important decision about my relationship soon. However, amongst all the tears and anxiety this evening, I was able to see an amazing movie about Walt Disney. Little things to make me happy among chaos, I am grateful for and are worth going in the Happiness Jar (well candle holder in my case) Thank you Liz for inspiring me all the time in many ways, especially now.
via Elizabeth Gilbert’s Facebook Wall
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January 5, 2014
Sunday afternoons are for reading… Happy winter’s day, LG
Sunday afternoons are for reading…
Happy winter's day,
LG
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