Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat, Pray, Love”, was interviewed on Oprah yesterday. Authentic and forthright, she shared much of her learned wisdom. She has been open about her miserably failed first marriage. She couldn’t continue to live the life of marriage and motherhood that her mother and community had expected of her. Her broken and conflicted spirit wouldn’t allow her to go on, and she fell apart. When she was penniless and full of shame, she received the book deal and the journey into her heart began.
Elizabeth said that merely going through rough times does not qualify a person to become wise, but facing the difficulties and being honest and vulnerable enough to change is what makes those terrible situations valuable. Then you have an obligation to tell people what you have learned and you begin to spread your light.
She also talked about her admission that choosing not to be a mother was monumental for her. She said that women fall into three categories with regard to this: those who are natural-born mothers, those who are meant to be great aunties, and those who shouldn’t come within ten feet of a child. I love her sense of humor! Both she and Oprah agreed that they live in the loving auntie group.
And, lastly, after being open and raw about regretful past choices, she quoted this most meaningful passage from the Bagavad Gita:
It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live a perfect imitation of someone else’s life.
I feel so inspired! Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing what you learned!
I love it!!