We Can Do Hard Things Elizabeth Gilbert on Losing the Love of Her Life
14 snips
Sep 9, 2025 
In this heartfelt conversation, Elizabeth Gilbert, acclaimed author of "Eat, Pray, Love," shares her personal journey of love and loss with Rayya Elias. She delves into the complexities of addiction—both love addiction and Rayya's struggles with substance use. Elizabeth opens up about betrayal, codependency, and the painful yet liberating process of truth-telling. She emphasizes the significance of vulnerability in fostering connections and underscores that even the hardest truths can ultimately lead to healing and freedom.
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Truth As The Way Through Catastrophe
- Elizabeth Gilbert describes trauma and unexpected collapse as universal challenges that destabilize even prepared lives.
- She says truth-telling is the essential way through catastrophic loss and confusion.
From Hairdresser To Love Of Her Life
- Elizabeth Gilbert recounts meeting Raya as a hairdresser who became her mentor, neighbor, and then the love of her life.
- She left her marriage to be with Raya when Raya was terminally ill and promised six months of a great love story.
Secret Lives Drive Hidden Behavior
- Gilbert uses Garcia Marquez's public/private/secret framework to explain hidden drivers of behavior.
- She links secret lives to childhood programming and trauma that steer adult choices unconsciously.
