281. How Amanda Finally Calmed Her Brain & Her Letter from Love with Liz Gilbert
Feb 15, 2024
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Amanda had a breakthrough in quieting her brain and heard from Love with Elizabeth Gilbert's help. They discuss avoiding 'monkey surveys' when making decisions, the 'big thing' we miss that leads to dissatisfaction, and getting your brain and perfectionism to step back. Elizabeth Gilbert is best known for 'Eat Pray Love' and is the creator of the Onward Book Club.
The letter from love emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment beyond the pursuit of security and external validation.
The letter encourages the recipient to let go of the need for control and security, and instead embrace the uncertainty and unknown.
The letter challenges the recipient's preoccupation with security and finding something that will finally satisfy them.
Deep dives
The Power of Love: Finding Fulfillment Beyond Security
The letter from love emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment beyond the pursuit of security and external validation. It encourages the recipient to embrace the joy of playing the game of life without constantly striving for a sense of worthiness through accomplishments and approval. Love reminds them that they already have everything they need and that the true purpose is simply to be present and enjoy the experience. It emphasizes the futility of keeping score and seeking external recognition, encouraging the recipient to shift their focus to the beauty and curiosity of being in the moment.
Embracing Uncertainty and Letting Love Lead
The letter encourages the recipient to let go of the need for control and security, and instead embrace the uncertainty and unknown. It highlights the futility of trying to predict and plan for every outcome, and instead suggests surrendering to the guidance and wisdom of love. The recipient is reminded that their pursuit of security and control is what keeps them trapped in dissatisfaction and anxiety. By letting go and allowing love to take the lead, they open themselves up to a more joyful and fulfilling experience of life.
The Illusion of Security and the Quest for Something More
The letter challenges the recipient's preoccupation with security and finding something that will finally satisfy them. It questions the belief that external achievements and validation will bring lasting fulfillment and worthiness. Love reminds the recipient that the search for security and satisfaction is ultimately an illusion, as true fulfillment comes from within. It encourages the recipient to shift their focus to the present moment and the joy of playing the game, rather than constantly striving for an unattainable sense of security.
The Role of Perspective in Finding Satisfaction
The letter invites the recipient to consider shifting their perspective on satisfaction and success. It suggests that the constant pursuit of external validation and the need to be the best at everything is a recipe for dissatisfaction. Love encourages the recipient to embrace imperfection, playfulness, and curiosity, recognizing that true satisfaction comes from being present and engaged in each moment, rather than constantly seeking external validation and approval.
Finding Peace in Embracing the Journey
The letter emphasizes the importance of letting go of the need for external validation and finding peace in the journey itself. Love reminds the recipient that the purpose of life is not to achieve a specific outcome or reach a certain level of success, but to fully embrace and enjoy the experience of being alive. It encourages the recipient to let go of the constant striving and scorekeeping, and instead be fully present and engaged in the game of life.
In this beautiful episode, we hear Amanda’s incredible breakthrough in quieting her brain, and how she finally heard from Love with the help of Elizabeth Gilbert.
Discover:
The breathtaking and very odd way that Love ultimately showed up for Amanda;
Taylor & Travis’s love lesson for Amanda
How to avoid what Liz Gilbert calls “taking a monkey survey” when making important life decisions;
The “big thing” we are all missing & how it makes us dissatisfied with everything else; and
How to get your brain and perfectionism to step back so your greater wisdom can speak.
On Liz:
Elizabeth Gilbert is author of the international bestseller, EAT PRAY LOVE, which has been translated into over thirty languages, and sold over 12 million copies worldwide. The book became so popular that Time Magazine named Elizabeth as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2010, Elizabeth published a follow-up to EAT PRAY LOVE called COMMITTED—an instant a #1 New York Times Bestseller, as well as BIG MAGIC: CREATIVE LIVING BEYOND FEAR. She is the author of three novels: STERN MEN, THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS, and CITY OF GIRLS. Elizabeth is the creator of the Onward Book Club, which takes place on her Instagram via a live chat, as a way of spotlighting, studying, and celebrating the work of Black women authors. You can also find her on Substack and subscribe to her newsletter: “Letters From Love with Elizabeth Gilbert.” Subscribe here: https://elizabethgilbert.substack.com/
Don’t miss Abby and Glennon also sharing their Letters from Love on We Can Do Hard Things episodes 268 and 269: