When I think something nice is going to happen I seem to fly right up on the wings of anticipation; and then the first thing I realize I drop down to earth with a thud. But really, Marilla, the flying part is glorious as long as it lasts. . . it's like soaring through a sunset. I think it almost pays for the thud.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the beauty of hope and anticipation despite the inevitable disappointments that may follow.
In this quote, Lucy Maud Montgomery reflects on the bittersweet nature of expectations and hope. While the anticipation of something wonderful can lift us up and create a feeling of joy, the reality may not always match our dreams, leading to disappointment. However, she emphasizes that the joy of dreaming and soaring in those moments of anticipation is valuable in itself, making the eventual fall more bearable. It's an appreciation of the highs and lows of emotional experiences.
In practice
In a motivational speech about dealing with life's ups and downs, one might conclude with this quote to emphasize the importance of hope.
A broken heart in real life isn't half as dreadful as it is in books. It's a good deal like a bad tooth, though you won't think THAT a very romantic simile. It takes spells of aching and gives you a sleepless night now and then, but between times it lets you enjoy life and dreams and echoes and peanut candy as if there were nothing the matter with it.
A house isn't a home without the ineffable contentment of a cat with its tail folded about its feet. A cat gives mystery, charm, suggestion.
Gilbert darling, don't let's ever be afraid of things. It's such dreadful slavery. Let's be daring and adventurous and expectant. Let's dance to meet life and all it can bring to us, even if it brings scads of trouble and typhoid and twins!" (Anne to Gilbert)
Youth is not a vanished thing but something that dwells forever in the heart.
I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.
She had dreamed some brilliant dreams during the past winter and now they lay in the dust around her. In her present mood of self-disgust, she could not immediately begin dreaming again. And she discovered that, while solitude with dreams is glorious, solitude without them has few charms.
The limits of pleasure are as yet neither known nor fixed, and that we have no idea what degree of bodily bliss we are capable of attaining.
Meditation practice is like piano scales, basketball drills, ballroom dance class. Practice requires discipline; it can be tedious; it is necessary. After you have practiced enough, you become more skilled at the art form itself. You do not practice to become a great scale player or drill champion. You practice to become a musician or athlete. Likewise, one does not practice meditation to become a great meditator. We meditate to wake up and live, to become skilled at the art of living.
Never sit at a table you can’t walk away from.
Once you have a clear picture of your priorities - that is values, goals, and high leverage activities - organize around them.
If you have not the experience, ask. There is no shame in asking, but do not pretend you know when you don't.
We should keep in mind that it is easy to concoct stories explaining the past or to become confident about dubious scenarios of the future. We should view both explanations and prophecies with skepticism.
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