12 truths I learned from life and writing | Anne Lamott

A few days before she turned 61, writer Anne Lamott decided to write down everything she knew for sure. She dives into the nuances of being a human who lives in a confusing, beautiful, emotional world, offering her characteristic life-affirming wisdom and humor on family, writing, the meaning of God, death and more.

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[KimsLantern]

“If people wanted you to write more warmly about them, they should’ve behaved better.”
Yes.

[Bronnyley]

"Help is the sunny side of control". Love that.

[leilanilanuza]

"The wound is the place where the light enters you" - Rumi

[mvdoglover]

I was greatly blessed to hear her speak these words and many more this weekend. "Help is the sunny side of control" and "laughter is carbonated holiness" are what stuck with me. She also mentioned something else. Self-respect is not something the world can give you. That's an inside job. She's amazing.

[alexathegr]

She’s incredible. I’ve been reading bird by bird and it’s been helping me write my fiction novel. What a beautiful soul.

[dailyencouragemints]

A recap of the 12 truths for you all to refer back to. Have a great day!

1. All truth is a paradox, life is both a precious gift and so heartbreaking at the same time.

2. Almost everything will work again if you unplug if for a few minutes, including you.

3. There’s nothing outside of you that will help you in any lasting way unless you’re waiting for an organ.

4. Everyone is screwed up, broken, clingy and scared.

5. Chocolate with 75% cacao is not actually a food.

6. Writing - Every writer writes really terrible first drafts, but the keep their butt in the chair.

7. Publication and temporary creative success are something you have to recover from, they can hurt and damage you.

8. Families - Families are hard hard hard no matter how cherished and astonishing they may also be.

9. Food - Try to do a little better.

10. Grace - Grace is spiritual WD40 - God loves us all the same.

11. God just means “goodness” - Its not that scary. A good name for God is “Not Me.”

12. “Wow” and “Yikes” - It’s so hard to bear when a few people that you can’t live without die. You’ll never get over the losses. You’re not supposed to.

If you're up for it, check out my 1-Minute daily videos if you're interested.

[NancyHanna_forwordtv]

She's one of my heroes from forever. She's a stand-up poet, spirit guide. Thanks, Anne.

[ApPersonaNonGrata]

"4:18
Our "help" is the sunny side
of control."

[wabbit]

Before I watched this video I felt confused, depressed, lonely, and useless. Now I feel like a cloud has been lifted off my head! I will send this video to some of my friends/relatives who could use a warm and fuzzy.

[normbabbitt]

I so love this author and speaker, Anne Lamott, for her clear honesty,
her supremely worthwhile wisdom, her true humility and humor.  I so love
this!  I was so moved by this, and simultaneously I laughed out loud.

[ApPersonaNonGrata]

At 46, I felt really good to hear her refer to 47 as the "young" age that she wishes she still was.

[michelleclark-cadwell]

Loved your comments on family and our roles, to "quit spreading your help all over everybody" and that help is just another form of control. I find it so true and have had to struggle with that lesson with my daughters. Wise words! I will continue to be a fan of your writing...

[arrifwashere]

I wish she were my grandma, I'd talk to her all day long

[PalmurcioWorld]

Who's here after The Midnight Gospel because they fell in love with her voice?

[ApPersonaNonGrata]

5:18
"I was deteriorating
faster than
I could lower my standards". lol yep

[Manupere]

I love what she said, she just express herself and allow her soul to talk a little bit, Gorgeous ! 12 years ago I started to write and have it read by another person and her first reaction was astonishment and very hard reaction . I must soften my storie and get to write again

[heathermacdonald]

How could anyone give this talk a thumbs down? Anne Lamott is kindly and wise and honest. A super talk.

[koolbks]

Today, after the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is raging, so much foment and manufactured controversy from politicians, and death in all forms, is around us, i found this. Anne's book, Traveling Mercies, was a very pivotal book for me at a time when I was searching out the truth of Christianity vs the new age venues i was contemplating. Here was a woman with dreadlocks!! speaking humbly and authentically. Thanks, Anne, and its good to hear your voice.😀

[stuartsmith]

"I'm ever age I've ever been and so are you" nice!!

[Ravyne]

I adore Anne Lamott and own several of her books. Her writing is always humorous and spot on. This talk was nothing less than her authentic self speaking to our authentic selves.