Being a writer is part of a noble tradition, as is being a musician โ the last egalitarian and open associations. No matter what happens in terms of fame and fortune, dedication to writing is a marching-step forward from where you were before, when you didnโt care about reaching out to the world, when you werenโt hoping to contribute, when you were just standing there doing some job into which you had fallen.
Anne LamottBut you canโt get to any of these truths by sitting in a field smiling beatifically, avoiding your anger and damage and grief. Your anger and damage and grief are the way to the truth. We donโt have much truth to express unless we have gone into those rooms and closets and woods and abysses that we were told not go in to. When we have gone in and looked around for a long while, just breathing and finally taking it in โ then we will be able to speak in our own voice and to stay in the present moment. And that moment is home.
Anne LamottGrief, as I read somewhere once, is a lazy Susan. One day it is heavy and underwater, and the next day it spins and stops at loud and rageful, and the next day at wounded keening, and the next day numbness, silence.
Anne LamottIt was not facing what life dealt that made you crazy, but rather trying to set life straight where it was unstraightenable.
Anne Lamott