Life with most teenagers was like having a low-grade bladder infection. It hurts, but you had to tough it out.
Anne LamottRead
You get your confidence and intuition back by trusting yourself, by being militantly on your own side. ... Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Trusting oneself is crucial for regaining confidence and intuition while pursuing one's passions without self-doubt.
In this quote, Anne Lamott emphasizes the importance of self-trust and the need to support oneself unconditionally. By advocating for a carefree approach—symbolized by 'just dance'—she encourages individuals to dismiss self-doubt and focus on the joy of expression rather than perfectionism. This mindset allows for the reclamation of confidence and intuitive feelings that may have been lost through overthinking or fear of judgment.
Themes
ConfidenceSelf-TrustIntuitionMotivationSelf-Expression
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, this quote can inspire others to embrace their true selves.
More from Anne Lamott
All quotes →Or you might shout at the top of your lungs or whisper into your sleeve, "I hate you, God." That is a prayer too, because it is real, it is truth, and maybe it is the first sincere thought you've had in months.
Anne LamottRead
Your problem is how you are going to spend this one odd and precious life you have been issued. Whether you're going to spend it trying to look good and creating the illusion that you have power over people and circumstances, or whether you are going to taste it, enjoy it and find out the truth about who you are.
Anne LamottRead
It is hard to remember that you are a cherished spiritual being when you're burping up apple fritters and Cheetos.
Anne LamottRead
Gorgeous, amazing things come into our lives when we are paying attention: mangoes, grandnieces, Bach, ponds. This happens more often when we have as little expectation as possible. If you say, "Well, that's pretty much what I thought I'd see," you are in trouble. At that point you have to ask yourself why you are even here. [...] Astonishing material and revelation appear in our lives all the time. Let it be. Unto us, so much is given. We just have to be open for business.
Anne LamottRead
...because when people have seen you at their worst, you don't have to put on the mask as much.
Anne LamottRead
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