Radical Self-Acceptance, Cancel Culture, and Forgiveness with Writer Anne Lamott
May 9, 2024
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Author Anne Lamott discusses radical self-acceptance, cancel culture, and forgiveness with Kara Swisher. They explore Lamott's 20th book 'Somehow: Thoughts on Love,' drawing parallels between love and Wi-Fi, dealing with cancelation over a tweet, practicing radical self-acceptance, and finding forgiveness, even towards Donald Trump.
Practice radical self-acceptance for emotional well-being.
Forgiveness is essential for personal growth and resilience against criticism.
Deep dives
Impact of Personal Memoirs and Writing Style
Anne Lamott, a prolific author known for her candid memoirs, discusses the impact and challenges of writing personal memoirs such as 'Operating Instructions' and 'Bird by Bird.' She reflects on the immediate gratification of nonfiction writing compared to the lengthy process of crafting novels. Lamott emphasizes the importance of revealing universal truths in her work, addressing topics that resonate with readers' shared experiences and inner thoughts.
Theme of Love and Connection
Lamott delves into the theme of love as a connection, using metaphors like Wi-Fi and benches to symbolize the various forms of love in her book 'Somehow Thoughts on Love.' She emphasizes the significance of community in her own life, highlighting how salvation and human connection were found through supportive communities during challenging times. Lamott reflects on the role of love in navigating personal struggles and fostering enduring connections.
Journey of Sobriety and Self-Compassion
As an individual in recovery for almost 38 years, Lamott shares insights into her journey of sobriety and self-compassion. She discusses the challenges and rewards of forgiveness, acknowledging the complexity of forgiving oneself and others for past mistakes. Lamott emphasizes the importance of self-care and radical acceptance in maintaining emotional well-being and fostering personal growth.
Navigating Criticism and Resilience
Lamott opens up about facing criticism, such as a harsh review in the New York Times, and how she responded with resilience. She details the emotional impact of negative reviews, highlighting the need for resilience and inner strength in the face of public scrutiny. Lamott shares her strategies for coping with criticism, including seeking support from loved ones and maintaining perspective on personal growth and self-worth.
Author Anne Lamott has penned novels, but is most famous for her confessional memoirs about sobriety, raising her son as a single mother (Operating Instructions), being a liberal Christian and writing (Bird By Bird). Kara and Anne talk about her 20th book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love, why she thinks love is like Wi-Fi, how she dealt with nearly being canceled over a tweet, how to practice radical self-acceptance, and finding forgiveness — even for Donald Trump.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find Kara on Threads/Instagram @karaswisher