From Mundane to Magnificent

"Wind River Canyon, Wyoming"

(Small gouache study)

I recently finished reading a book authored by Chris Orwig titled, The Creative Fight.  In his closing comments, Chris wrote this:

With a creative outlook, the mundane becomes magnificent and the ordinary becomes alive.  Those who adopt such an approach see life not as it is but as it should be, so that even drudgery and difficulty become profound.

The thrust of his book was about creating your best work incorporating all the circumstances that affect your life.  And yes, that includes the difficult and very ordinary dailiness of our lives.  Our best work will come from that blend.  Challenges and struggle give our work an authenticity and character that would be bland otherwise.  In the wrestling with strain and overcoming adversity we make of our lives a work of art.  The key is living creatively in how we approach hardship.  It is in growing through that process that we emerge with something of beauty for the world.  

While working out early one morning recently I also listened to a presentation on YouTube by Evan Carmichael on John Williams' Top Ten Secrets to Success.  You'll find that it's common sense thinking, but it is good to be reminded of what's important.  Here's John Williams' Top Ten:

1.  Start small

2.  Work hard

3.  Challenge yourself

4.  Always strive for better

5.  Find the joy in life

6.  Enjoy every task you do

7.  Inspire others

8.  Practice everyday

9.  Nurture great friendships

10. Create greatness

Are there certain ones that particularly resonate with you?  Numbers 7 and 10 challenge me...inspire others and create greatness.  

Be encouraged to take the mundane in your life and make it something magnificent.  Stay in the creative fight!  It's so worth it!

Live bravely and beautifully!