You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
Even in the worst tragedies and crisis, there’s no reason to add to everyone’s misery by looking miserable yourself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Remaining positive during difficult times can alleviate the suffering of others.
This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive demeanor even in the face of adversity. By choosing not to express misery, we can help create a more supportive environment for those around us, allowing everyone to cope with challenges more effectively.
Themes
PositivityAdversitySupportAttitudeMisery
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting following a major setback, this quote could be used to encourage team members to maintain a positive outlook.
More from Elizabeth Gilbert
All quotes →Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
I had always been taught that the pursuit of happiness was my natural (even national) birthright. It is the emotional trademark of my culture to seek happiness. Not just any kind of happiness, either, but profound happiness, even soaring happiness. And what could possibly bring a person more soaring happiness than romantic love.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?
Elizabeth GilbertRead
And when you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt - this is not selfishness, but obligation. You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
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The message I hope to have sent is just the example of being yourself. I tell this to my students: It's not about copying me or my logic systems. It's about allowing yourself to be yourself.
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