A book is like a friend. We understand the world and life, or even observe ourselves through texts, and have a deep realization of oneself that we are not alone. PMQ invites different people from design and culture sectors to recommend a book, so that you can enrich yourselves as book therapy.

Valerie: After leaving the corporate world and becoming a freelance wellbeing coach two years ago, I came across this book in time. Frankly speaking, I am not a fan of Gilbert when she released “Eat Pray Love”. However, I resonate with “Big Magic” so much as how she reveals the intimate and liberating journey of her writing life, it does encourage me to live an authentic life I yearn for.

Living in an era of absolute impermanence, it could be more frustrating than ever if we do not have a ground to root of what we care and care for deeply. The way Gilbert puts her advice on living with creativity is down-to-earth, witty and affirmative. It feels like a friend genuinely poking and pushing you to go beyond your fear that we all share self-doubt, judgement from others and life constraints.

Fear is an old familiar friend who joins the road trip of life, with creativity and ourselves, she describes. As much as fear wants to do its job to protect us, creativity and ourselves are the ones who lead the road. So please do not wait until the fear goes to give yourself permission to dream, and to actually live the dream, because every action in every moment shapes you and paves your life. ‘Believe in yourself’ is not a slogan, it is all up to you whether to unleash your true vitality. The book is an invitation.

Entering 2021, may every one of us rediscover our own magic of life and find light of faith in darkness.