Love has everything to do with the creative process. When I came across this advertisement for an Italian fabric manufacturer, I was struck by the simplicity, and profundity, of its message.

Love before creating.

People often ask me “How can I write a book?”

It’s not easy, but if you love your subject, it won’t be hard either.

Love is an essential piece of life. If you love what you do (and the people you do it with), you are a lucky person. I count myself in that group. Before you create something, ask yourself if you really love it. How will you know? Imagine your life without it. If your heart tears wide open at the thought of parting ways with your beloved project, then you know you have the love to create the beautiful, the magical, the majestic. If you yawn at the thought of dropping it, you are probably not engaged enough to care over the long term.

Love has an added benefit. It blinds you from the pitfalls that you may encounter along the way. It holds you up, keeps you strong and reminds you why you are here.

Yes, love’s got something to do with it. Love, and the time we spend pursuing our deepest passions, are all we truly have.