I was reminded of something today. Several years ago I read the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. It was an experience for me like I’m sure it was for so many others. I didn’t love the whole story. Parts of it were somewhat slow for the reader, but I’m sure for Liz it was necessary to include in the written account of the lessons she learned. Today I came across this quote from the book on a blog written by someone who I connected with because of that book. We don’t talk or email anymore, but I still make time to read her blog. Thanks for the reminder of where I’ve been and where I’m going.
“I’ve come to believe in something I call the physics of the quest. The rule of quest physics goes something like this: if you’re brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting, which can be anything- from your house to bitter old resentments, and set out on a truth seeking journey- either externally or internally… and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue… and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher… and if you are prepared, most of all, to face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself, then the truth will not be withheld from you.” -Liz Gilbert
Midlife Natalie 
I am so happy you commented and that you have a blog again. I see I have some reading to do, but I’ll catch up. 🙂
Great guidance for how to conduct much of your life.
I, too, was changed by “Eat, Pray, Love” and then I felt sheepish for it when it turned out to be an anthem for so many women. I have never liked being part of a big adoring group, but this book just did it for me on too many levels.
I feel about this book the way I feel about Lee DeWyze. (American Idol winner last season.) I HATE it that I am in a group of stupid adoring IDOL fans (I only watched one season and it was the last one) but I know in my heart that if I had just seen him play in some coffee house and he never made it big, I would have been a fan.
Maria, actually, some of us who read it after our better halves finished it & left it within reach, found it enlightening as well. Not a fan of Idol, but I have learned over the years not to be embarrassed when any number of others show themselves as having at least a modicum of good taste by agreeing with my choices;-)