You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
This was not my moment to be seeking romance and (as day follows night) to further complicate my already knotty life. This was my moment to look for the kind of healing and peace that can only come from solitude.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of solitude and personal healing over seeking romantic relationships during difficult times.
In this quote, Elizabeth Gilbert reflects on a moment in her life where she recognizes the need for personal growth and healing rather than pursuing romantic entanglements. She understands that complications typically arise from romantic relationships, especially when one is not fully prepared for them, highlighting the value of solitude as a means of achieving inner peace and emotional well-being.
Themes
SolitudeHealingPeaceRomanceLifeSelf-Discovery
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a wellness retreat discussing the importance of solitude for mental health.
More from Elizabeth Gilbert
All quotes →Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
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.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
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?
Elizabeth GilbertRead
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.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
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