If I body-shame a woman, it is more a reflection of me being critical of my body, me not being able to keep up to certain standards I have, and so making sure that the women around me feel the same way.
I wasn't entitled to dream so big. The idea of me being a writer wasn't even possible in my mind. Even when I began to write and first published, I couldn't call myself a writer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the struggle of self-identity and the journey of achieving one's dreams despite initial doubts.
Rupi Kaur's quote speaks to the common experience of feeling unworthy of one's aspirations and the challenges in embracing an identity that seems beyond reach. It highlights the internal conflict many face when their ambitions seem disconnected from their self-perception, particularly in creative fields like writing. Kaur's words resonate with individuals who struggle to claim their achievements, reminding them that the journey of self-acceptance and recognizing one's own potential is central to personal growth.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about pursuing your passions, this quote underscores the importance of believing in your dreams.
More from Rupi Kaur
All quotes →There have been articles saying that all women need to read my book. I ask, why not all men? In fact, that would be even more valuable because we women want to sit down with men and tell them - this is how we feel, this is what we go through.
When I was little, my dad told me about Anandpur Sahib and the court of Guru Gobind Singh. That we came from a tradition of poets, warriors and artists who created when it was illegal to create... we're groomed to be reckless in the defense of what we feel is right.
The way a small child might dream of visiting Disneyland, I dreamed of writing books. Never did I think my poems would become that.
I was always writing for myself. I wrote what I needed to write and hear - that's what makes it powerful.
There was no market for poetry about trauma, abuse, loss, love, and healing through the lens of a Punjabi-Sikh immigrant woman.
Similar quotes
People say, 'why not have the Paralympics and Olympics combined?' I'm like, 'When Usain Bolt was running, I fully appreciate everyone will watch him and not me. But guess what? When I'm on, we're the stars, right?'
Through you, we feel as giants, once again.
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.
And when one person taps out a beat, while another leads into the melody, or when three people discover a harmony they never knew existed, or a crowd joins in on a chorus as though to raise the ceiling a few feet higher, then they also know there is hope for the world.
As long as you have life and breath, believe. Believe for those who cannot. Believe even if you have stopped believing. Believe for the sake of the dead, for love, to keep your heart beating, believe. Never give up, never despair, let no mystery confound you into the conclusion that mystery cannot be yours.
Be strong and of good courage. You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are princesses, destined to become queens. Your own wondrous story has already begun. Your "once upon a time" is now.