What people somehow forgot to mention when we were children was that we need to make messes in order to find out who we are and why we are here. Perfectionism is a mean, frozen form of idealism, while messes are the artist's true friend.

“Clutter and mess show us that life is being lived.Tidiness makes me think of held breath, of suspended animation. And her point is that writing is living, sharing, being human, serving the World with words and connection - and I dig that and it definitely lit a fire under my writing goals. The goal to get published while recognizing this should never be the goal at all as it can lead to empty promises, vanity and way less than expected (like way less). Bird by Bird book by Anne Lamott Resonant and witty, Anne Lamott shares her insights on writing - as well as creativity and living a full life. My biggest takeaway is the discipline to sit your butt in that chair every day and write. In this book, Anne speaks to the trials and tribulations of writing, kind of like we see reflected often in life. I have a goal to write a book and two friends told me to read this and when a double recommendation happens, I jump on my library website to place a hold. Written in memoir style, she is a wonderful story teller and straight shooter. I recently finished her book ‘Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life’ and I truly loved it. Have you watched her TED TALK titled ‘12 Truths I Learned from Life and Writing’? A must watch, here is the link for you. And she is humble pie wrapped in truth talk.

I can hear her talking in her writing and I love that.

Anne lamott bird by bird review