Last updated on April 2nd, 2012 at 11:49 am
I am re-reading Eat, Pray, Love to study the art of fine writing.
This is something I was told all writers do: study the works of writers you love. I began studying Friday evening. I miss travel like one misses a good meal only your mother can cook, so I am reduced to living a mental vacation through Elizabeth Gilbert’s book.
It is a satisfying enough second to actual travel, and it’s been some time since my son Brian and I have hung out together like this. Usually his friends fill these rooms and I often retreat to my bedroom, or the bookstore to give them space.
I am just beginning my favorite – the India section of the book.
“There’s a reason we refer to “leaps of faith” – because the decision to consent to any notion of divinity is a mighty jump from the rational over to the unknowable, and I don’t care how diligently scholars of every religion will try to sit you down with their stacks of books and prove to you through scripture that their faith is indeed rational; it isn’t. If faith were rational, it wouldn’t be – by definition – faith. Faith is belief in what you cannot see or prove or touch. Faith is walking face-first and full-speed into the dark. If we truly knew all the answers in advance as to the meaning of life and the nature of God and the destiny of our souls, our belief would not be a leap of faith and it would not be a courageous act of humanity; it would just be… a prudent insurance policy.” – Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)
We had another 8 Women Dream meeting last night. There was amazing food, wine and laughter, but I came away from it thinking, Why is everyone so afraid of failing?
And why doesn’t Heather’s chocolate brownies just fix it all?
Last night some shared stories of wounded hearts, about the last time they tried something big in their lives and failed, and for some it’s been so long since they did something they love – the stories went back to childhood.
When did we stop chasing “wild-haired” dreams and settle into being responsible?
When did we stop believing in our own greatness?
And how do we get it back?
Catherine
Catherine’s dream is to be a motivator, motivational speaker and published writer
Catherine Hughes is the founder, content director and editor-at-large of 8WomenDream. She is passionate about helping women step out of their own way and strike out into a world waiting for their special talents. She’s a published author and a former award-winning mom blogger. Catherine has helped companies both large and small create engaging web content, social media narratives, and unique blogging platforms. She claims to be a redhead, but don’t hold that against her.
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