Eve RodskyFind Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World

When I first picked up this book, I wondered how it or even IF it could blast through that I call the "pandemic blues and blahs." But I loved Eve Rodsky's smart and practical first book, FAIR PLAY, and so I decided to read this one. After all, I love creative pursuits. Everything from DIY decorating, to gardening, to collecting antiques, to writing and painting...though over the past couple of years those pursuits have fallen more and more by the wayside. Multiple kids, full time job, schools on remote and then academic catch-up after that, no carpools b/c of covid for months and months after school did resume in person--honestly some days I had time for exactly nothing but the household necessities. Except, as Eve Rodsky so persuasively points out, valuing your creative pursuits and your own time is essential to valuing yourself. Rodsky has done a lot of research and she's pulled in many diverse voices to support her points. Here's one I found especially beautiful and relevant:"In a time of destruction, create something: a poem, a parade, a community, a school, a vow, a moral principle; one peaceful moment." --Maxine Hong KingstonRodsky expertly defines what a Unicorn Space is, why we all need one, and how to break down the barriers separating you from taking the time and space for creative work. And then she cheers you on! Some of her advice is hilarious, like from her husband Seth: "Don't take a pass (on a scary but exciting opportunity). Dare to suck!" Rodsky goes on to (wisely, IMO) to suggest pairing a "daring to suck" mindset with the massive preparation women are generally drawn to as a recipe for success. Brilliant! As the book progressed, I felt like I was talking to an expert who also happened to come across as a highly entertaining and caring friend.After finishing this book, I came away convinced that, even if I have to start really small for right now (finally figuring out what art to make for and then hang on the blank wall my office?), reclaiming my creative pursuits is essential reclaiming my sense of happiness and purpose so I can share a stronger and more effective version of myself with others. Totally recommend this book to anyone else who has lost their creative self these past few years. FIND YOUR UNICORN SPACE will push you to reclaim it.

Great read!

It initially was hard for me to get into this book. For one, the phrase “unicorn space” unfortunately turns my stomach a bit. I’ve never been a unicorn person— their relationship to the idea of purity frustrates me. So I decided to read every instance of “unicorn space” as “dragon space” (I do love dragons & they’re similarly fantastical, right?) & that really helped me get through the book.Another aspect that frustrated me was how I couldn’t see myself among the target audience. As a single, asexual woman NOT in a fast-paced, much-lauded sort of career, & unlikely to ever get to experiences the trials & joys of motherhood, a lot of what Rodsky discussed just didn’t apply to me. & I wound up having to talk myself out of negative self-talk— like, “You’ve got so many fewer things standing in the way of your goals than these Type A mom-sharks— why aren’t you accomplishing anything already?” Basically I did not feel seen in this book, & that leaves me feeling a little unsatisfied.However, Rodsky’s writing when she gets into her “Three C’s” (curiosity, connection, & completion) is relevant & worth reading. The small exercises she supplies are worth doing ( it is good to define your values). & in the end, despite initial skepticism, I found the book worth reading.

On my never-ending to-do list, it seemed silly to ever add a hobby to the list. I don't have time! After reading this book, I realized that I deserve the time and space to focus on something that interests me and lights me up. Having my own Unicorn Space is so much more than having a hobby or a pass-time activity, it's what makes me - me. Not only did I learn that I have permission to be unavailable from my work and from my home, but Rodsky gave me the easy steps to set boundaries to create that time for myself. I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels like they've lost their spark, or feel completely burnt out in work and life.

Setting aside time and energy to allow yourself to be creative often seems frivolous and not necessary especially following the two years of the global pandemic. But after reading Eve Rodsky's Unicorn Space, I was reminded why doing so is vitally important to our success both personally and professionally. Looking ahead at a new year, I'm excited to take nuggets of knowledge from this read and apply them to my life and my business as well as actually take the steps to stake out boundaries to create that time for myself. Thank you for writing this book!

I purchased this book based on the cover, “Reclaim your creative life in a too busy world”. I thought wow, I def need this in my life. I am an artist with my own business who has no kids and spends most of my time working. I answer to no one except myself. I thought this book would help me structure my time better to be creative. It doesn’t. This book is for someone who is busy with kids and family life and needs to find a way to grant themselves permission to be creative. It’s a book that is going to tell you it’s ok and don’t feel guilty, that’s it. I wish the book had more substance and less therapy.

This is a great read. I purchased this book for myself and as gifts for several friends. Highly recommend.

Loved it!! Eve Rodsky presents a very compelling thesis on creativity and provides practical ways that we can all cultivate that unicorn space. Eve Rodsky was a guest on the Holistic Wealth Podcast with Keisha Blair, and also spoke about the book there in a very compelling way, and emphasized the importance of creativity during this collective time of burnout and despair. I really loved this book! Kudos to Eve for bringing this book out into the world at such a critical time!

This book is for women with great careers, children, and a partner. If you're not an overachiever or happen to be childless, child free or single, you will be reminded of it on every page. Should come with a content warning tbh.