Growing up, there were two things that some people believed to be food that I wanted nothing to do with: Cream of Wheat and onions. Cream of Wheat always gave me the shakes, and I did everything possible to avoid having to eat it, even if that meant skipping breakfast or (sorry mom!) throwing it in the trash when I thought no one was looking. Onions were just crunchy white slimy things that didn’t belong in someone’s mouth.

Even though I still feel feelings of unpleasantness towards these “edibles,” I’ve come to appreciate their value in my life and in the development of my creative capacity. This is because the creative person’s most important friend is often perceived to be his or her worst enemy, namely, obstacles. Problems and challenges along the way often become the germ of a far greater creative truth; a truth we would never had discovered if we hadn’t been “stopped” by a problem or struggle in the process. I have come to learn to welcome these times. Without exception they have been friends, even if at first I didn’t view them as such.

A great friend and adviser recently taught me that often the good book must be written in order to find the great book that lies beyond it. I believe this to be true, and I’m now discovering it in my own writing (not that what I’m doing is “great.” It does at least feel “better.”) Trusting in the truth that good work can be the beginning of something great, I am grateful for Cream of Wheat and onions, and hope I have learned or am learning the lessons they’ve provided.