I get it now; I didn't get it then. That life is about losing and about doing it as gracefully as possible... and enjoying everything in between.
Interpretation
Life involves experiencing losses and learning to navigate them gracefully while appreciating the moments in between.
In this quote, Mia Farrow reflects on the understanding that life is not just about success, but also about facing losses and challenges with grace. This acceptance of loss, coupled with the ability to find joy in the small moments, is fundamental to a fulfilling life. It highlights the importance of resilience and perspective in the journey of life.
In practice
During a motivational speech on resilience, one might say, 'I get it now; life is about losing and about doing it as gracefully as possible.'
There are people who are suffering beyond description. They are innocent people, they didn't bring this upon themselves. They are the victims of the sins of other people. And while it's hard to see, it's important to understand that these people exist.
Do the things you think you cannot do. Do all the good you can, by all the means available, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, all the times you can, for as long as ever you can. Our own feelings of helplessness are our own worst enemy.
If you were to go, and hopefully someday you will, you would see a lot of paintings of dead people. You'd see Jesus on the cross, and you'd see a dude get stabbed in the neck, and you'd see people dying at sea and in battle and a parade of martyrs. But Not. One. Single. Cancer. Kid. Nobody biting it from the plague or smallpox or yellow fever or whatever, because there is no glory in illness. There is no meaning to it. There is no honor in dying of.
Life is short. From here to that old car you know so well there is a stretch of twenty, twenty-five paces. It is a very short walk. Make those twenty-five steps. Now. Right now. Come just as you are. And we shall live happily ever after.
Behind every sweet smile, there is a bitter sadness that no one can ever see and feel.
What will I be doing in twenty years' time? I'll be dead, darling! Are you crazy?
Live life and take chances. Believe that everything happens for a reason and don't regret. Love to the fullest and you will find true happiness in life. Realize that things go wrong and people change, but things do go on. Sometimes things weren't meant to be. What is supposed to happen will work its way out.
One day in the afternoon of the world, glum death will come and sit in you, and when you get up to walk, you will be as glum as death, but if you're lucky, this will only make the fun better and the love greater.
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