For a while she considered being ill, but she changed her mind.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the idea of choosing to embrace wellness over the allure of illness, highlighting the power of decision-making.
In this quote, Tove Jansson captures the moment of contemplation where someone considers the easier path of succumbing to illness, often romanticized in literature and life. However, the subject's decision to change her mind represents a powerful affirmation of agency and the will to overcome adversity, emphasizing that we have the power to shape our own narratives and destinies, despite tempting alternatives.
In practice
This quote could be shared in a motivational speech to encourage resilience in the face of difficulties.
Look at The Adventure. A boat by night is a wonderful sight. This is the way to start a new life, with a hurricane lamp shining at the top of the mast, and the coastline disappearing behind one as the whole world lies sleeping. Making a journey by night is more wonderful than anything in the world.
It is simply this: do not tire, never lose interest, never grow indifferent—lose your invaluable curiosity and you let yourself die. It's as simple as that.
A very long time ago, Grandmother had wanted to tell about all the things they did, but no one had bothered to ask. And now she had lost the urge.
Smell is important. It reminds a person of all the things he's been through; it is a sheath of memories and security.
I love borders. August is the border between summer and autumn; it is the most beautiful month I know. Twilight is the border between day and night, and the shore is the border between sea and land. The border is longing: when both have fallen in love but still haven't said anything. The border is to be on the way. It is the way that is the most important thing.
...by and by a change came: I started to muse about the shape of my nose. I put my trivial surroundings aside and mused more and more about myself, and I found this to be a bewitching occupation. I stopped asking and longed instead to speak of my thoughts and feelings. Alas, there was no one besides myself who found me interesting.
I miss my pre-Internet brain, but that doesn't help anything. We can only go forward.
Nothing in the past is as powerful as what we choose to do in the present moment.
The new always carries with it the sense of violation, of sacrilege. What is dead is sacred; what is new, that is different, is evil, dangerous, or subversive.
There is no such thing as a Fourth Industrial Revolution with 9 billion thriving co-citizens in the world if it is accomplished on linear economic principles. We need a transition to circular economic principles and practice.
You've got to acknowledge what you did wrong and see if you can fix it to the extent possible, and turn the page.
Illness strikes men when they are exposed to change.
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