If I body-shame a woman, it is more a reflection of me being critical of my body, me not being able to keep up to certain standards I have, and so making sure that the women around me feel the same way.
I wasn't entitled to dream so big. The idea of me being a writer wasn't even possible in my mind. Even when I began to write and first published, I couldn't call myself a writer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the struggle of self-identity and the journey of achieving one's dreams despite initial doubts.
Rupi Kaur's quote speaks to the common experience of feeling unworthy of one's aspirations and the challenges in embracing an identity that seems beyond reach. It highlights the internal conflict many face when their ambitions seem disconnected from their self-perception, particularly in creative fields like writing. Kaur's words resonate with individuals who struggle to claim their achievements, reminding them that the journey of self-acceptance and recognizing one's own potential is central to personal growth.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about pursuing your passions, this quote underscores the importance of believing in your dreams.
More from Rupi Kaur
All quotes →There have been articles saying that all women need to read my book. I ask, why not all men? In fact, that would be even more valuable because we women want to sit down with men and tell them - this is how we feel, this is what we go through.
When I was little, my dad told me about Anandpur Sahib and the court of Guru Gobind Singh. That we came from a tradition of poets, warriors and artists who created when it was illegal to create... we're groomed to be reckless in the defense of what we feel is right.
The way a small child might dream of visiting Disneyland, I dreamed of writing books. Never did I think my poems would become that.
I was always writing for myself. I wrote what I needed to write and hear - that's what makes it powerful.
There was no market for poetry about trauma, abuse, loss, love, and healing through the lens of a Punjabi-Sikh immigrant woman.
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What's it like finding out Denzel Washington wants you to direct his next movie? It's like getting a phone call from Muhammad Ali or Michael Jordan saying they want you to coach them.
Everyone's supposed to stay in their lines and be neat. 'You're a rapper. You're supposed to rap, carry a boom box, wear chains, and go to the club - that's all you do. What are you doing collecting art? What are you talking about? Wait a minute, you're getting out of the zone.' People hate when people cross lines.
Brothers and sisters of Egypt, you have given the world the most precious gift: the belief that ultimately right will prevail.
What some folks call impossible is just stuff they haven't seen before.
I resolved that, like the sun, as long as my day lasted, I would look on the bright side of everything.
Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great, you can be that generation