Life with most teenagers was like having a low-grade bladder infection. It hurts, but you had to tough it out.
Peace is joy at rest. Joy is peace on its feet. quoting her pastor in Salon, April 25, 2003
Interpretation
What this quote means
Peace and joy are interconnected states of being, with peace representing a state of calm and joy representing an active expression of that inner state.
In this quote, Anne Lamott illustrates the relationship between peace and joy, suggesting that peace is a restful state while joy is an active and vibrant expression of that same harmony. The duality of these emotions reflects the idea that true happiness encompasses both a quiet inner calm and an exuberant outward expression, emphasizing the importance of balancing these two facets in life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on mental wellness, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of both peace and joy in achieving true happiness.
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.
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.
It is hard to remember that you are a cherished spiritual being when you're burping up apple fritters and Cheetos.
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.
...because when people have seen you at their worst, you don't have to put on the mask as much.
Similar quotes
No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.
There are two ways to spread happiness; either be the light who shines it or be the mirror who reflects it.
If happiness is activity in accordance with excellence, it is reasonable that it should be in accordance with the highest excellence.
Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.
Real joy means immediate expansion. If we experience pure joy, immediately our heart expands. We feel that we are flying in the divine freedom-sky. The entire length and breadth of the world becomes ours, not for us to rule over, but as an expansion of our consciousness. We become reality and vastness.
I loved the game so much that even though our playing field was muddy and we had many trees on it, I used to play many hours every day.