Life with most teenagers was like having a low-grade bladder infection. It hurts, but you had to tough it out.
Anne LamottRead
You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We are responsible for our own experiences and should embrace sharing our personal narratives.
This quote emphasizes the idea that our life experiences shape who we are, and that we hold ownership of those experiences. By telling our stories, we not only acknowledge our journey but also connect with others, fostering understanding and empathy. It suggests that sharing personal narratives can be empowering and healing, both for ourselves and those who hear them.
Themes
OwnershipStoriesExperiencesSharingNarrative
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about resilience at a community event.
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
Believe in miracles but don't depend on them. When you hear kind word spoken about a friend, tell him so. Spoil your spouse, not your children. Never make fun of someone who speaks broken English. It means they know another language. To help your children turn out well, spend twice as much time with them and half as much money.
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.Read
You play the hand you're dealt. I think the game's worthwhile.
Christopher ReeveRead
Such is the life of a man. Moments of joy, obliterated by unforgettable sadness. There's no need to tell the children that.
Marcel PagnolRead
So many amongst us live in the past rather than loving the present and building a brilliant future. Some people stay stuck for years over something they did or a failure they've experienced. Sad. A life is a terrible thing to waste.
Robin S. SharmaRead
The only certain things in life are death and taxes!
Benjamin FranklinRead
I feel ashamed now that I tried to take my life. It is such a precious thing. I had no one to talk me out of my despair and that was a mistake. You need to keep people close. You need to give them access to your heart.
Mitch AlbomRead