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.
The writer has to force himself to work. He has to make his own hours and if he doesn't go to his desk at all there is nobody to scold him.
The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.
My advice to young entrepreneurs is not to accept defeat in the face of odds, and challenge negative forces with hope, self-confidence and conviction.
I had all the usual ambition growing up. I wanted to be a writer, a musician, a hockey player. I wanted to do something that wasn't nine to five. Acting was the first thing I tried that clicked.
I'm just about that action, boss. I ain't ever see no talking win me nothin'.
It's not about the resources you have available. It's about the resourcefulness you have within you.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.