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
What this quote means
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.
Themes
ProblemsSufferingGrowthUnderstandingMindfulnessHeavenHell
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development and overcoming challenges.
More from Elizabeth Gilbert
All quotes →Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
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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.
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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?
Elizabeth GilbertRead
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.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
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