You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
I have searched frantically for contentment for so many years in so many ways, and all the acquisitions and accomplishments- they run you down in the end.
Interpretation
Contentment cannot be found in external achievements or possessions.
In this quote, Elizabeth Gilbert reflects on her journey in pursuit of happiness and contentment, only to realize that seeking fulfillment through possessions and achievements ultimately leads to exhaustion rather than satisfaction. It highlights the importance of inner peace over external accomplishments.
In practice
In a motivational speech about finding happiness within, this quote can be used to illustrate the futility of chasing material success.
You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
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.
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?
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.
But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
In order to be happy you need a good dog, a good woman, and ready money.
The Giver of life gave it for happiness and not for wretchedness.
No man is happy; he is at best fortunate.
No one is happy all his life long.
Happiness is brief. It will not stay. God batters at its sails.
The way to be truly happy is to be truly human, and the way to be truly human is to be truly godly.
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