It’s been a long winter for many of us; we’re weighed down by boots, shovels, and ice scrapers. If you are looking for words of encouragement, consider Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Self-Reliance.” It is (among other things) a pep talk for creative people who are wondering if they can trust their instincts. He argues that we should learn how to “detect and watch that gleam of light” that flashes across our minds instead of conforming to the expectations of others. It takes courage. It’s not easy. Remember this: “Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.”
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “Self-Reliance.” Emerson’s Essays. Harper & Row, 1951, p. 33.