You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
Take care of the problems now, or else you'll just have to suffer again later when you scew everything up the next time. And that repetition of suffering - that's hell. Moving out of that endless repetition to a new level of understand - there's where you'll find heaven.
Interpretation
Addressing issues promptly can prevent future suffering and lead to personal growth.
This quote emphasizes the importance of tackling problems as they arise, suggesting that neglecting them can lead to repeated suffering. Elizabeth Gilbert highlights that moving beyond these patterns of pain and understanding them can elevate one's existence, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from proactive self-awareness and growth.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal development and overcoming challenges.
You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
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.
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?
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.
But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
Put a bridle on thy tongue; set a guard before thy lips, lest the words of thine own mouth destroy thy peace... on much speaking cometh repentance, but in silence is safety.
When force of circumstance upsets your equanimity lose no time in recovering your self-control, and do not remain out of tune longer than you can help. Habitual recurrence to the harmony will increase your mastery of it.
Next to a battle lost, the greatest misery is a battle gained.
Sin forsaken is one of the best evidences of sin forgiven.
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
There is a certain kind of maturity that can be attained only through the discipline of suffering.
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