Encouragement for the Weary from Literary Greats
Words and wisdom from writers for writers
Life can be hard. The weight of worry and burden of weariness wear us down in ways that feel suffocating sometimes. Exhaustion at the state of the world or worries about family or finances can seep into our bones. Our creative lives also have seasons of weariness and lack of inspiration.
I’m encouraged by stories of prolific writers who endured struggles of their own yet managed to produce beautiful work. Surely their heartbreak and doubt weren’t much different from our own. Weariness is universal. This means hope and healing are too.
This curated list of encouragement from acclaimed authors is meant to help us gain perspective and press on. I hope it blesses you.
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Ralph Waldo Emerson on letting go and being yourself
“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson, from a letter to his daughter, Ellen
“Insist on yourself; never imitate. Your own gift you can present every moment with the cumulative force of a whole life's cultivation; but of the adopted talent of another, you have only an extemporaneous, half possession. That which each can do best, none but his Maker can teach him.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Self-Reliance”
Emerson’s life was riddled with hardship. The loss of his father at age 8, poor health, and the death of his first wife did not hinder him from becoming an influential essayist and lecturer. His essay, “Self-Reliance” emphasizes how critical it is for us to be our authentic selves and avoid imitation. Excellent advice for anyone, especially artists and writers. His missive to his daughter Ellen to look to tomorrow as a blank page also serves writers by reminding them to press on despite disappointment and failure.
C.S. Lewis on sorrow
"Crying is all right in its way while it lasts. But you have to stop sooner or later, and then you still have to decide what to do.” -C.S. Lewis, The Silver Chair
Lewis, author of the beloved children’s series, The Chronicles of Narnia, served in the Somerset Light Infantry during WWI, observing the horrors of trench warfare firsthand. He also experienced the death of his wife, Joy Davidman Gresham, just four years after marrying her in 1956. Lewis had been an atheist for years before converting to Christianity. His conversion was due largely in part to the influence of his close friend and fellow writer, J.R.R. Tolkien. Lewis then spent most of his creative efforts writing about faith in both his fiction and nonfiction work. From Lewis’ own deep emotional pain, he encourages us to cry and feel sorrow but move forward in faith.
Maya Angelou on self-improvement
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
-Maya Angelou
Few have endured such pain and reveled in such success as Angelou. She suffered unthinkable childhood abuse and had a rocky young adult life. Once suffering from post-traumatic mutism, Angelou went on to share her powerful voice as a writer and civil rights activist. Angelou reminds us that we must aspire to better ourselves once we know how. Each obstacle we encounter provides a chance to learn this lesson. Such things take time, yet they produce depth and strength as payment for our trouble.
Truman Capote on failure
“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.” -Truman Capote
Capote’s difficult childhood and lifelong struggle with insecurity and addiction impacted him deeply. Despite these difficulties, he produced some of the most lauded literary works of the 20th Century. In Cold Blood, his breakthrough 1966 nonfiction novel, is the second best-selling true crime book in history. But his success was not always easily obtained. Capote’s reminder that failure has a purpose is encouragement for us to press on, even when we aren’t winning at life.
Madeline L’Engle on being present
“When I am constantly running there is no time for being. When there is no time for being there is no time for listening.”
-Madeline L’Engle, Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art
L’Engle’s childhood in New York City was marked by the notable emotional absence of her parents. Her parents, both artists, often left her in the care of an Irish Catholic housekeeper named Mary O’Connell, affectionately known and Mrs. O. L’Engle remembers time with Mrs. O as happy moments of joy and love, which she considered “infallible signs of the presence of God.” At 12, L’Engle’s parents moved to Europe and sent her to boarding school. Perhaps the absence of her parents and Mrs. O’s joyful “being” in L’Engle’s life contributed to her notions about being present. The wisdom of slowing down to be present and listen are part of what enables us to thrive and write.
Flannery O’Connor on faith
“Faith comes and goes. It rises and falls like the tides of an invisible ocean. If it is presumptuous to think that faith will stay with you forever, it is just as presumptuous to think that unbelief will.” -Flannery O’Connor
A deeply religious woman, O’Connor was transparent about her spiritual restlessness. She struggled with chronic illness and loneliness, undoubtedly a source of stress for her. Her willingness to confront these issues and reference spiritual truths in her work make her an important 20th-century writer. Having others share freely about the ebb and flow of faith makes me feel less like a failure. Hard days can test my faith, but these tests are not permanent. Returning again and again to the foundation of my God, I am encouraged and renewed. O’Connor similarly addresses how we wrestle out our salvation in the Christian walk.
These words from writers who have not only known the pain of the human condition but managed to put beautiful art into the world encourage me. Perhaps part of what helps creativity bloom is the delicate dance of pain, feeling, and healing. Remember, you have value and make an impact on the world. Be encouraged as you regroup and refresh, even in the toughest of times.
Community Garden:
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What are some of your favorite encouraging words from writers or artists you admire?
How can you take time to pause, be present, and listen this week?
I love the information about these writers you’ve incorporated into this piece. Love your enthusiasm and encouragement! As a writer and a woman who has definitely gone through some rough stuff, I applaud and appreciate you so much for this!!! Praying for more.