Someone asked me if I would like to write a man on death row, be a pen pal, and I was like, sure. I volunteered. I had been in a place in my life - a relationship had ended; my parents were getting elderly - I was kind of adrift. The name that was given to me, just randomly, was Todd Willingham. And he wrote me a letter, and in this letter, he thanked me for writing him and [said that] if I would like to visit, he would put me on his visitor list... I was just really struck by the letter from Todd. It was very polite; it was very kind.
Elizabeth GilbertThere is hardly a more gracious gift that we can offer somebody than to accept them fully, to love them almost despite themselves.
Elizabeth GilbertUntil-as often happened during those first months travel, whenever I would feel such happiness-my guilt alarm went off. I heard my ex-husband's voice speaking disdainfully in my ear: So this is what you gave up everything for? This is why you gutted our entire life together? For a few stalks of asparagus and an Italian newspaper? I replied aloud to him: "First of all," I said, "I'm very sorry, but this isn't your business anymore. And secondly, to answer you question...yes.
Elizabeth GilbertThe whole sphere of air that surrounds us, Alma, is alive with invisible attractions โ electric, magnetic, fiery and thoughtful. There is a universal sympathy all around usโฆ When we cease all argument and debate โ both internal and external โ our true questions can be heard and answeredโฆThat is the gathering of magic.
Elizabeth GilbertIf you're going to answer the call and you're going to transform and you're going to change, get ready. It is not a day at the beach.
Elizabeth Gilbert