Award-winning English author Neil Gaiman set out to write a short story for his daughter’s 18th birthday. But after two years, he only had three pages to show for his efforts. Then, over the course of three stressful days, he found a healthy distraction from the stress by diving into the story — and he found an ending, around 20 pages later. This hopeful sentiment was weaved into Gaiman’s reflection on the burst of creativity that produced his story “Sunbird.” Besides reminding people that they still have agency during life’s most challenging times, Gaiman explains that making art forges connections if the work is shared. Perhaps that’s why he has also written novels, graphic novels, comics, journalism, screenplays, and poetry. 

Arguably the most influential architect of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright believed passionately in the importance of beautiful buildings that complemented the natural environment. Drawing on his love for the landscapes of Wisconsin, where he spent much of his youth, he created a uniquely American style known as organic architecture. Many of his more than 1,000 building designs feature wide-open spaces, large windows, and an emphasis on horizontal rather than vertical construction. He was also an early adopter of green building practices such as solar heating and natural cooling. Wright once said he wanted to create architecture that “belonged where you see it standing” and was a “grace to the landscape.” His passionate belief that our living and work spaces should and could be beautiful made a lasting impression on architecture around the world.

American philosopher and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson founded the Transcendentalist movement, which valued a strong connection to nature above all. He believed that good physical health strengthens our instinct to choose experiences that make life rich and full. Emerson lived out these beliefs, balancing a quiet life in the woods of Concord, Massachusetts with his travels across the United States and Europe giving lectures. When he developed memory problems later in life, he slowed his pace so he could preserve his health and still publish his writing. He reminds us that taking care of ourselves, both physically and mentally, is a crucial part of living out our goals and dreams.