Life with most teenagers was like having a low-grade bladder infection. It hurts, but you had to tough it out.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of being present and open to the wonders around us, free from rigid expectations.
Anne Lamott's quote suggests that life is filled with extraordinary moments and experiences that often go unnoticed due to our preconceptions and expectations. By adopting an open mindset and paying attention to the beauty and surprises life offers—whether they are as simple as mangoes or profound like music—we can enrich our existence. The message encourages us to embrace spontaneity and appreciate the richness of life that comes from letting go of rigid expectations.
Themes
AttentionExpectationWonderOpennessLife
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about mindfulness and presence.
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