Embracing 2025: The Magic of Ideas

Happy 2025! I can’t believe we’re stepping into a brand-new year. This is the time when many of us revisit our visions, goals, and bold ideas, shaping plans to bring those dreams to life. I have a mix of emotions going into the new year: gratitude, excitement, uncertainty, hope. Everyone experiences a unique blend of emotions at the start of the year, and I want to acknowledge that. However, I am choosing to lean into hope and optimism this year- a fresh start. Let's all take a deep breath and inhale in the excitement and hope of what 2025 will bring and exhale any negative thoughts.

For the first edition of 2025, I want to dive into the magic of ideas—that spark of creativity that arrives out of nowhere. Too often, our instinct is to push the idea/inspiration away, but what if we embraced it instead?

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

To kick off the year, I decided to re-read Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert (A.K.A. the Eat, Pray Love Lady) for inspiration. In her book, Elizabeth explores the power of giving yourself permission to pursue ideas without the fear of failure. Whew, that is a concept. In an interview with Marie Forleo, Elizabeth shared the inspiration behind the book - fans would often approach her with a longing to pursue creative projects but could not move forward. The common theme? Fear. Fear of not being good enough, fear of rejection, fear that someone else has already done it better—you name it. I know those feelings all too well.

I love Elizabeth’s perspective on ideas as magic. Ideas are swirling around us, waiting for a willing partner. When one lands on you, it tries to catch your attention. If your mind isn’t clouded with distractions, insecurities, or busyness, the idea starts working its magic. You’ll feel the rush you can’t shake. Signs will pop up everywhere, pointing you toward the idea and nudging you forward. It might even wake you up at night, refusing to let go until you respond. And when the time comes, you have a choice: yes or no. If you say no, the idea will float on until it finds someone ready to embrace it.

The book is divided into six sections, each exploring a key element of the creative process:

1. Courage – Overcoming fear to create boldly.
2. Enchantment – Embracing the magical nature of ideas.
3. Permission – Granting yourself the freedom to create without waiting for validation.
4. Persistence – Sticking with your craft even when inspiration fades.
5. Trust – Believing in the creative process and finding joy in it.
6. Divinity – Acknowledging the spiritual, intangible force that drives creativity.

Big Magic is a celebration of creative living and an invitation to let go of fear, embrace curiosity, and create without attachment to the outcome. If you are looking for a spark, I recommend reading the book.

Stevie Wonder’s Trailblazing Sound Revolution

As I step into 2025, I’m reflecting on what first inspired me to write this newsletter—the legendary Stevie Wonder. A couple of months ago, I started to listen to The Wonder of Stevie, a podcast produced by Higher Ground Productions (Barack and Michelle Obama) and Questlove. The podcast is a deep dive into Stevie Wonder’s groundbreaking creative evolution during the 1970s. This period produced iconic albums like Music of My Mind, Talking Book, and Songs in the Key of Life.

Episode 1 stood out to me, spotlighting the creation of Music of My Mind song example: Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You) and Stevie’s trailblazing use of synthesizers. After hearing the album Zero Time (Bob Margouleff and Malcolm Cecil) and its mesmerizing use of TONTO (The Original New Timbral Orchestra) synthesizer, Stevie showed up at the creators’ NYC studio unannounced to experiment with the technology. Can you imagine Stevie Wonder showing up outside your door? Stevie’s willingness to explore the unknown and take a risk led him into a new “soundscape".

Later in the podcast series, Stevie reflected on the skepticism he faced from peers and friends during this time. He was excited to share this new musical discovery, but they wanted him to stick with the familiar Motown sound - song example: Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Even though he cherished those relationships, he understood they couldn’t fully relate to his new vision. So, he left Motown and ventured on his own path.

“The reason I got into [TONTO] was that I had ideas in my head, and I wanted those ideas to be heard.” – Stevie Wonder

Imagine if Stevie said no and let those ideas pass him by. If he had never stepped into that studio, the world might have missed out on the revolutionary soundscape he created. ?We might not know many of his amazing hits and the world would be without the lasting impact he’s had on music. Stevie is a great reminder of trusting our creative instincts and also reminding us that you can't bring everyone along with your vision. Sometimes, you might be the only person to believe in your vision.

So, here are four takeaways to carry with you into 2025:

1.??????? Let Fear Ride Shotgun (But Don’t Let It Drive). Fear will always show up when you pursue creativity, but it doesn’t have to lead. Acknowledge it but keep moving forward.

2.??????? Take the Leap. Risk is part of the process, and you might not have all of the answers. Without stepping into the unknown, you can’t unlock the next chapter of your journey.

3.??????? Not Everyone Can Come Along. Your vision is yours—and sometimes, you’ll have to walk the path alone. Don’t be afraid to move forward, even if others don’t see it yet.

4.??????? You Can Say No. Not every idea or opportunity is meant for you. If something doesn’t align, trust yourself to pass. The right ideas will find you when the time is right.

My goal in 2025 is to create a community that encourages dreamers, innovators, and changemakers to bring forth your bold ideas in a comfortable space. This year, I will offer actionable steps and tools to help you bring your ideas to life. I’m also planning a few free brainstorming sessions for anyone who wants to chat about their ideas. Drop me a line if there are topics or tools you’d like to explore together.

Here’s to a year of big magic, bold ideas, and the courage to bring them to life!

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Sources:

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert: When a magical idea comes knocking, you have three options – The Irish Times

Elizabeth Gilbert Talks “Big Magic” – Fear, Failure & the Mystery of Creativity with Marie Forleo?? https://youtu.be/HyUYa-BnjU8

Music Of My Mind - Album by Stevie Wonder | Spotify?

The Wonder of Stevie Podcast - Apple Podcasts

'The Wonder of Stevie' is the best podcast I've heard this year so far - TheGrio

Stevie Wonder Podcast Series 'Wonder of Stevie' Debuts on Audible (variety.com)

TONTO: The 50-Year Saga of the Synth Heard on Stevie Wonder Classics (rollingstone.com)