When people ask what I write about, that's what I tell them: 'The drama of human relationships.' I'm not even close to running out of material.
Joyce MaynardRead
I believe every one of us possesses a fundamental right to tell our own story.
Interpretation
Everyone has the inherent right to share their personal experiences and narratives.
This quote by Joyce Maynard emphasizes the importance of individual stories and the power of personal narrative. It implies that each person has the right to express their experiences, perspectives, and journeys, which not only validates their existence but also enriches collective understanding and empathy among people.
In practice
During a writing workshop, to inspire participants to share their truths.
When people ask what I write about, that's what I tell them: 'The drama of human relationships.' I'm not even close to running out of material.
I wonder what it is that the people who criticize me for telling this story truly object to: is it that I have dared to tell the story? Or that the story turns out not to be the one they wanted to hear?
Those who rhapsodize about the ease and joy of childhood have perhaps forgotten what it's like to be 12 years old.
As for me, I've chosen to follow a simple course: Come clean. And wherever possible, live your life in a way that won't leave you tempted to lie. Failing that, I'd rather be disliked for who I truly am than loved for who I am not. So, I tell my story. I write it down. I even publish it. Sometimes this is a humbling experience. Sometimes it's embarrassing. But I haul around no terrible secrets.
Looking up gives light, although at first it makes you dizzy.
None of us can avoid being contaminated by the world's evils; it's all a matter of what attitude you take towards them.
I do not weep at the world I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife.
It's like, remember who you always were, where you came from, who your parents were, how they raised you. Because that authentic self is going to follow you all through life, so make sure that it's solid so it's something that you can hold on and be proud of for the rest of your life.
It is better to err by excess of mercy than by excess of severity. . .Wilt thou become a Saint? Be severe to thyself but kind to others.
We can't really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture.
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