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
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.
In practice
During a motivational speech, this quote can inspire others to embrace their true selves.
Life with most teenagers was like having a low-grade bladder infection. It hurts, but you had to tough it out.
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.
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.
It is hard to remember that you are a cherished spiritual being when you're burping up apple fritters and Cheetos.
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.
...because when people have seen you at their worst, you don't have to put on the mask as much.
Never give up. No matter what is happening, no matter what is going on around you, never give up.
The key is to listen to your heart and let it carry you in the direction of your dreams. I've learned that it's possible to set your sights high and achieve your dreams and do it with integrity, character, and love. And each day that you're moving toward your dreams without compromising who you are, you're winning.
Boys, be ambitious. Be ambitious not for money, not for selfish aggrandizement, not for the evanescent thing which men call fame. Be ambitious for the attainment of all that a man can be.
Try your best to make goodness attractive. That's one of the toughest assignments you'll ever be given.
Know that nothing can hinder you but yourself. If you believe you can, you can.
Awake, arise or be for ever fall’n.
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