“To write a book, to perform a deed, to make a painting with life in it, one must be a living person oneself. And so for you, unless you never want to progress, studying is very much a side issue. Enjoy yourself as much as you can and have as many distractions as you can.”
–Vincent Van Gogh
Above is a quote taken from one of the letters Van Gogh had written to his sister, offering her advice when she wrote to him, telling him about her studies.
It’s tough to follow such a powerful set of words such as this one, but I’ll try. I chose this quote for all of us, because we are all creating something. When you publish a new post whether it’s art, a photo or a poem, you created it. You gave that work life and so long as it exists, it stays living because of the time and energy you made creating that work.
Do you ever have that feeling, that need, that hunger to create something? It’s an itch you can’t scratch until you write that story or finish that painting, then the need is gone? Then you look at your work and really get the chance to admire it, the thing that you breathed life into. The thing that now has a miniscule amount of your soul. It’s amazing, isn’t it?
Don’t be afraid to create; don’t let anything or anyone stop you from creating. Don’t be deterred by grief or censorship. Let your feelings show through your work, dare to draw that political cartoon that will make people hate it, dare to write that poem about the person that took your heart and ripped it to shreds. Do it for yourself, as long as you are glad that you created something.
Painter on the Road to Tarascon
This is for Writing 101: Day 5, “Hook ’em with a quote!” I had saved this quote in my facebook profile since I was still in high school, and now I’m glad I have the chance to share it. Also, I have a soft spot for Van Gogh, especially after that one Doctor Who episode, “Vincent and the Doctor”. Always makes me cry and is one of my favorite episodes. Anyway, I hope this encourages you to keep creating, no matter what it takes.
An Offbeat Bluestocking 
A timely quote that all aspiring writers can relate. I have experienced the agony of sharing my words, too. It is normal to be afraid of criticisms, because no writer is born with flawless writing skills. But as Maya Angelou said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Thank you for sharing this, Clarissa! š
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Maya Angelou was so wise, that quote rings true! Thank you for your feedback, Rosema!
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Thank you, too, Clarissa! š
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I admire the quotation from Van Gogh. I like your commentary–and advice–even more. It’s contemporary and, well, it’s from you. We do create, and we need to. I mean, I appreciate your bringing that point up. If anyone should ask me why I write, I’d say, Because I need to. It’s not a terrible impulse at all, though sometimes it’s hard, I guess. But, as we say these days, it is what it is. I get up, make coffee, and write. That’s a good start to the day for me. When things happen, I write about them in response, if only to myself. Anyway, you tell us strongly not to be afraid. And you’re right. Thanks! I enjoy that episode with the Doctor, too. It’s fanciful (meeting Van Gogh and all) and meaningful. Thanks again.
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Thank you for reading, I suppose I could have just left it as a one sentence post “Just keep creating!”, but I like to be superfluous sometimes. I’m so glad you enjoy that episode as well! It’s one of my favorites, never bores me when I watch it.
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