Life with most teenagers was like having a low-grade bladder infection. It hurts, but you had to tough it out.
Anne LamottRead
You are desperate to communicate, to edify or entertain, to preserve moments of grace or joy or transcendence, to make real or imagined events come alive. But you cannot will this to happen. It is a matter of persistence and faith and hard work. So you might as well just go ahead and get started.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of persistence and faith in the creative process rather than forcing inspiration.
Anne Lamott highlights the struggle of wanting to communicate effectively and the desire to capture beautiful moments through creativity. While it is natural to yearn for inspiration and success, she suggests that true creativity comes from a commitment to hard work and perseverance, rather than trying to force it. Hence, the key message is to start your work with faith and persistence, regardless of the immediate outcomes.
Themes
CreativityPersistenceFaithHard WorkInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a motivational speech for aspiring writers to encourage them to stay committed to their craft.
More from Anne Lamott
All quotes βOr 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
Similar quotes
Today too, amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others. To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope; it is to let a shaft of light break through the heavy clouds; it is to bring the warmth of hope!
Pope FrancisRead
'Peace Train' is a song I wrote, the message of which continues to breeze thunderously through the hearts of millions. There is a powerful need for people to feel that gust of hope rise up again.
Cat StevensRead
When we leave Mass, we ought to go out the way Moses descended Mt Sinai: with his face shining, with his heart brave and strong to face the world's difficulties.
Oscar RomeroRead
What we're doing here will send a giant ripple through the universe.
Steve JobsRead
Everyone deserves to be the hero of a novel.
William NicholsonRead
All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. Out of this situation only good will come. I am safe!
Louise HayRead