Anne Lamott's thoughts on love, writing, and being judgy
Apr 16, 2024
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In this enlightening discussion, beloved author Anne Lamott shares her thoughts on love, self-compassion, and the creative struggles faced by writers. Known for her witty and insightful prose, she explores the challenges of being kinder to ourselves and others while embracing the imperfections in writing. Lamott also delves into how perspectives on happiness evolve over time, highlighting the importance of peace over fleeting joy. With humor and introspection, she illustrates the significance of vulnerability and personal growth in both writing and life.
Embracing vulnerability and self-compassion in writing leads to deeper honesty and connection with readers.
Transition from seeking joy to pursuing peace and calmness in life for enduring contentment and fulfillment.
Deep dives
Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Compassion in Writing
Anne Lamont delves into the significance of vulnerability and self-compassion in her writing process. She reflects on how her approach to crafting memoirs has evolved over the years, emphasizing a shift towards deeper honesty and compassion. Lamont highlights the importance of embracing messiness in both life and art, highlighting how making mistakes is integral to the creative process. She encourages writers to seek feedback and engage in writing groups to navigate through the challenges of producing initial drafts.
The Evolution from Joy to Peace
Adam Grant discusses with Anne Lamont the transition from defining happiness as joy in youth to seeking peace and calmness with age. Lamont shares insights on how peace provides a more enduring sense of contentment compared to the fleeting nature of joy. She acknowledges the role of grace and exhaustion in shifting focus from excitement to a more tranquil state, highlighting the transformative power of inner peace.
Balancing External Approval and Self-Affirmation
Anne Lamont explores the dynamic of external approval and self-worth in the realm of creativity. She discusses the transient nature of seeking validation from others and the importance of internalizing praise. Lamont advocates for writers to metabolize external feedback and ultimately cultivate self-validation, emphasizing the significance of intrinsic motivation over dependency on external recognition.
The Power of Vulnerability and Compassion in Teaching Writing
Anne Lamont and Adam Grant delve into the dual role of writers as teachers and creators. Lamont underscores the fulfillment derived from helping others hone their craft while simultaneously engaging in personal creative endeavors. She emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between writing and teaching, where nurturing one's writing skills informs the ability to guide and uplift aspiring writers.
Anne Lamott may be your favorite writer’s favorite writer. The author of many beloved books, including the modern classic Bird by Bird, Anne’s writing is singularly insightful, moving, and oftentimes funny. Adam and Anne chat about the art of great writing, the challenges of being kinder to others and ourselves, and the lessons to be learned from a life examined. Then, Anne helps with a special request. Anne’s latest book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love, is out now.
Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts