Life with most teenagers was like having a low-grade bladder infection. It hurts, but you had to tough it out.
Anne LamottRead
The earth is rocky and full of roots; it's clay, and it seems doomed and polluted, but you dig little holes for the ugly shriveled bulbs, throw in a handful of poppy seeds, and cover it all over, and you know you'll never see it again - it's death and clay and shrivel, and your hands are nicked from the rocks, your nails black with soil.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the beauty of planting seeds of hope in seemingly barren and harsh conditions.
In this quote, Anne Lamott illustrates the struggle and effort involved in nurturing potential in the face of adversity. The imagery of rocky, polluted earth contrasts with the act of planting poppy seeds, suggesting that even in difficult circumstances, one can create beauty and life. It captures the essence of resilience and hope, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, as the act of planting symbolizes faith in a future outcome that may never be witnessed.
Themes
NatureHopeResiliencePlantingAdversity
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a nature conservation speech to emphasize perseverance in difficult conditions.
More from Anne Lamott
All quotes →Or 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.
Anne LamottRead
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.
Anne LamottRead
It is hard to remember that you are a cherished spiritual being when you're burping up apple fritters and Cheetos.
Anne LamottRead
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.
Anne LamottRead
...because when people have seen you at their worst, you don't have to put on the mask as much.
Anne LamottRead
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