12 truths I learned from life and writing | Anne Lamott

A few days before she turned 61, writer Anne Lamott decided to write down everything she knew for sure. She dives into the nuances of being a human who lives in a confusing, beautiful, emotional world, offering her characteristic life-affirming wisdom and humor on family, writing, the meaning of God, death and more.
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[@KimsLantern]

“If people wanted you to write more warmly about them, they should’ve behaved better.” Yes.

[@leilanilanuza383]

"The wound is the place where the light enters you" - Rumi

[@alexathegr8]

She’s incredible. I’ve been reading bird by bird and it’s been helping me write my fiction novel. What a beautiful soul.

[@Bronnyley]

"Help is the sunny side of control". Love that.

[@mckee720]

As a former control freak turned super helper, this hit me. Sneaky, elusive control.

[@ApPersonaNonGrata]

"4:18 Our "help" is the sunny side of control."

[@EscargoTouChaud]

A lot of overprotective parents should take that advice.

[@jayaom4946]

Help is controlling when you want to get something back for it which is why many people do it. That includes a better reputation, a better image. As my dad said to me one time in a moment of brief honesty, "I like to give but I like to be seen giving."

[@dailyencouragemints4327]

A recap of the 12 truths for you all to refer back to. Have a great day! 1. All truth is a paradox, life is both a precious gift and so heartbreaking at the same time. 2. Almost everything will work again if you unplug if for a few minutes, including you. 3. There’s nothing outside of you that will help you in any lasting way unless you’re waiting for an organ. 4. Everyone is screwed up, broken, clingy and scared. 5. Chocolate with 75% cacao is not actually a food. 6. Writing - Every writer writes really terrible first drafts, but the keep their butt in the chair. 7. Publication and temporary creative success are something you have to recover from, they can hurt and damage you. 8. Families - Families are hard hard hard no matter how cherished and astonishing they may also be. 9. Food - Try to do a little better. 10. Grace - Grace is spiritual WD40 - God loves us all the same. 11. God just means “goodness” - Its not that scary. A good name for God is “Not Me.” 12. “Wow” and “Yikes” - It’s so hard to bear when a few people that you can’t live without die. You’ll never get over the losses. You’re not supposed to. If you're up for it, check out my 1-Minute daily videos if you're interested.

[@franklibby7555]

This is awesome. Thanks for doing this for us!

[@bridgesyas9030]

Awesome

[@singha6]

12. *bear*

[@SmudgeOne7Three]

Daily EncourageMints you deserve more subscribers. Also I love how you provided anyone reading this with content and then did a small ask at the end, good marketing strategy if that's your intention. Subscribed!

[@dailyencouragemints4327]

Sumita Singha thanks Sumita! All fixed.

[@mvdoglover2748]

I was greatly blessed to hear her speak these words and many more this weekend. "Help is the sunny side of control" and "laughter is carbonated holiness" are what stuck with me. She also mentioned something else. Self-respect is not something the world can give you. That's an inside job. She's amazing.

[@wabbit1313]

Before I watched this video I felt confused, depressed, lonely, and useless. Now I feel like a cloud has been lifted off my head! I will send this video to some of my friends/relatives who could use a warm and fuzzy.

[@PalmurcioWorld]

Who's here after The Midnight Gospel because they fell in love with her voice?

[@xavigamer3d298]

PalmurcioWorld Me!

[@eatassdaily5314]

Me!

[@samanthaalarcon6777]

Me 🥰

[@marcoloya]

The way she talked about Christ was beautiful

[@J-Strength1]

THINK ALL OF US!

[@ApPersonaNonGrata]

5:18 "I was deteriorating faster than I could lower my standards". lol yep

[@divyamarkande35]

James Apperson I agree. Epic!

[@arrifwashere1388]

I wish she were my grandma, I'd talk to her all day long

[@ellisonwonderland1]

I'd love to listen to her thoughts all day!!

[@asstatedbelow9599]

Or she would talk to u all day

[@jayasankarg3818]

Yes

[@deeplife9654]

Talk to your grandma whole day for a single day , then your grandma will be like her .

[@atyoganyc]

1000% agree

[@koolbks4790]

Today, after the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is raging, so much foment and manufactured controversy from politicians,and death in all forms, is around us, i found this. Anne's book, Traveling Mercies, was a very pivotal book for me at a time when I was searching out the truth of Christianity vs the new age venues i was contemplating. Here was a woman with dreadlocks!! speaking humbly and authentically. Thanks, Anne, and its good to hear your voice.😀

[@mocahill1756]

lord lord, i fell in love w annie on npr, and have been inspired ever since. we were born the same year, and i'm ready to write it all down. thank you for these words, they are just what i needed to hear right now.

[@ApPersonaNonGrata]

At 46, I felt really good to hear her refer to 47 as the "young" age that she wishes she still was.

[@Jump-2-the-moon]

You're 21 years older than me. What advice do you have for me?

[@ApPersonaNonGrata]

I would start with Baz Luhrmann's song "Sunscreen".

[@fourieorama]

Nothing is permanent. This is especially important to remember the next time you think you have made a mistake that is going to screw up your life. It will do that only if you let it.

[@KellyC77]

I agree, being in my 40s I always think of myself as "old"

[@roxanemarquez7825]

I am 47 and heard this today and sat here stunned as she described this age wistfully!

[@heathermacdonald6404]

How could anyone give this talk a thumbs down? Anne Lamott is kindly and wise and honest. A super talk.

[@kyraocity]

This talk on repeat does not disappoint. I have a TED talk about to be released on honoring your own voice and … I thought I’d list it again. This talk made me laugh at the cracks again. Cracks in the trap I keep creating. This talk says I’m ok.

[@NancyHanna_forwordtv]

She's one of my heroes from forever. She's a stand-up poet, spirit guide. Thanks, Anne.

[@stuartsmith9306]

"I'm ever age I've ever been and so are you" nice!!

[@kyraocity]

A writers' recap of Lamott's 12 truths Number one. All truth is a paradox. Life is both a precious gift and so heartbreaking at the same time. Number two. Almost everything will work again if you unplug if for a few minutes, including you. Number three. There’s nothing outside of you that will help you in any lasting way unless you’re waiting for an organ. Number four. Everyone is screwed up, broken, clingy and scared. Number five. Chocolate with 75% cacao is not actually a food. Number six. Writing. Every writer writes really terrible first drafts, but the keep their butt in the chair. Every writer you know writes really terrible first drafts, (6:53) but they keep their butt in the chair. That's the secret of life. That's probably the main difference between you and them. They just do it. They do it by prearrangement with themselves. They do it as a debt of honor. They tell stories that come through them one day at a time, little by little. When my older brother was in fourth grade, he had a term paper on birds due the next day, and he hadn't started. So my dad sat down with him with an Audubon book, paper, pencils and brads -- for those of you who have gotten a little less young and remember brads --and he said to my brother, "Just take it bird by bird, buddy. Just read about pelicans and then write about pelicans in your own voice. And then find out about chickadees, and tell us about them in your own voice. And then geese." So the two most important things about writing are: bird by bird and really god-awful first drafts. If you don't know where to start, remember that every single thing that happened to you is yours, and you get to tell it. If people wanted you to write more warmly about them, they should've behaved better. Number seven. (8:42) Publication and temporary creative success are something you have to recover from, they can hurt and damage you. Male writers and best sellers. It’s a miracle to get your work published. Just try to bust yourself gently of the fantasy that publication heal you. That it will fill the Swiss-cheesy holes inside of you. It can’t. It won’t. But writing can. So can singing in a choir or a bluegrass band. So can painting community murals or birding or fostering old dogs that no one else will. Number eight. Families. Families are hard, hard, hard. Again see number one. It begins with forgiving yourself and that starts at the dinner table. That way you can do it in comfortable pants. You can do it Cinderella and you will be amazed. Number nine. Food. Try to do a little better. I think you know what I mean. Number ten. Grace. Grace is spiritual WD40. God loves us all the same. To summon grace say “help” and buckle up. Then against all odds you’ll get your sense of humor back. Laughter is carbonated holiness. Grace always bats last. Number eleven. God just means “goodness,” it’s not that scary. A good name for God is “not me.” Go outside a lot and look up. Bees don’t look up. The secret of life. Number twelve. Death: “Wow” and “Yikes!” It’s so hard to bear when a few people that you can’t live without die. You’ll never get over the losses. You’re not supposed to. Leonard Cohen: “There are cracks in everything and that’s how the light gets in.” Tears with bathe, baptize, and hydrate you. God to Moses: “Take off your shoes.” Death is a sacred as birth. (Most) Every single death is easy and gentle and you’re not alone. Conclusion: I think that’s it but if I think of anything else, I’ll let you know.

[@lazysingledaisybronwyn8105]

"When all is said and done, we really are all walking each other home." Ram Dass

[@Manu49pere]

I love what she said, she just express herself and allow her soul to talk a little bit , Gorgeous ! 12 years ago I started to write and have it read by another person and her first reaction was astonishment and very hard reaction . I must soften my storie and get to write again

[@lynngatti8592]

You beautiful soulful human- thank you for the comforting hug for my brain.

[@kathleenprescott6227]

I just love you Anne Lamotte. Thank you for who you are. Darling queen of glorious imperfection.

[@Sharsung]

I love her voice. She sounds so real, down to earth.

[@ryanslizzard7778]

She sounds EXACTLY like Sandra Bernhard kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX2qpIKKeKaSmbM

[@Lana-wf4ri]

Never ever fails to make me feel okay again. ❤ thank you for making us feel not alone

[@michelleclark-cadwell7258]

Loved your comments on family and our roles, to "quit spreading your help all over everybody" and that help is just another form of control. I find it so true and have had to struggle with that lesson with my daughters. Wise words! I will continue to be a fan of your writing...

[@alexthomas962]

Read "Bird by Bird" years ago and it changed my life-- so happy to stumble across this!

[@SF2Cal]

Met her at bookstore, two years ago, after having read most of her books, over the years. Just took a writing class with Anne, via zoom. Lover her voice, on paper and in person.

[@Ravyne]

I adore Anne Lamott and own several of her books. Her writing is always humorous and spot on. This talk was nothing less than her authentic self speaking to our authentic selves.

[@DesiDulce]

"help is the sunny side of control" LOVE!

[@normbabbitt4325]

I so love this author and speaker, Anne Lamott, for her clear honesty, her supremely worthwhile wisdom, her true humility and humor. I so love this! I was so moved by this, and simultaneously I laughed out loud.

[@SandKeats]

Oh my god, it's Anne Lamott! I loved her book, Bird by bird. I didn't notice it was her until she talked about the assignment with the birds. No wonder I liked her.

[@formerfarmer26]

Her talk contains everything anyone needs to know. All of it. How tidy and amazing. I love her.

[@learningcommunitywithnancy]

In the middle of a marathon listening to authors. It assists in motivating me to keep writing. I always enjoy Anne Lamott, her transparency and vulnerability as a woman and writer.

[@BlinkyTheSpaceCadet]

This lady transmits the truths of life with bittersweet humor. Awesome!

[@catherineandres8828]

This particular Ted Talk is what made me start watching other talks. This is excellent. Watched it years ago - and her words have stayed with me. Touched my soul.

[@catherineandres8828]

Laughter is carbonated Holiness. Absolutely love that line. It is essential to have a sense of humor. Nature is a wonderful way to find joy in the simpliist things too. Thank you You Tube for airing this.

[@singingraven652]

When you accidentally find a video and learn the meaning of life.

[@teimozzy]

Such a nice mix of entertainment and knowledge. I like it, thank you.

[@IMGO92]

Anyone else came across this beautiful person after confirming that it wasn't in fact, Joan Cusak, in midnight gospel? They both have a beautiful voice. ❤️

[@skyhigh6]

My truth is; "Not worry about yesterday, for it is passed and done, don't worry about tomorrow for it is yet to come. For the day has enough worry of its own."

[@Gk-nm2jv]

This adorable speech is going to be my favorite on TedX!!!Great respect to this amazing woman!🙌💐❤️

[@francescakyanda9182]

I just turned 18 and I enjoyed this

[@sandramedina9482]

Love this human being

[@TheZGALa]

This talk was delightfully moving! Thank you for the laughter and the tears.

[@paulpoulin1200]

For 2018 my new year's resolution is ...........to NOT deteriorate faster than I can lower my standards!!! Thank you ma'am!!!

[@brunogrady4326]

That's a Woody Allen joke, by the way, from Love and Death.

[@MaryJaneHancock]

Big thank you for posting. I feel so much better. ;-) Life is forgiveness school.

[@MarioPearson]

Anne has a mind and intellect all should pay attention too.

[@fishfan28]

I absolutely loved this. Thank you Anne.

[@yashashreesanap1198]

Absolutely brilliant, wholesome, and beautiful!

[@lavenderhearts101]

One of my favorite authors. I love you Anne.

[@MikeB-lm6yw]

Beautiful! Thank you, Anne!

[@noviceprepper5397]

I love her stories. I love her voice. Thanks Annie.

[@borninprovidence2965]

I’m chasing myself with chapstick and sunscreen on my hero’s journey. My mom has always been free range. Sometimes also known as a workaholic. I ❤️Anne.

[@stefaneesabatina3427]

I loved this speech Anne Lamott gave so relatable to everyone, such a great massage.

[@Reemtosa]

I really enjoy listening to her over and over. Very simple, wise and short. Thank you ☺️

[@rachelransom9455]

Thank you Anne. You have no idea how much this just helped me.

[@valeriebarnett7956]

Inspirational .... humour always softens truth ... first time listener

[@julianadespinheiro]

Wonderful! Thank you so much.

This was wonderful!! Thank you Anne!!

[@Synergiekanal]

You made me smile. Thank you very much.

[@andrea-co3xi]

I love her so much 💛

[@lindazeidler9654]

I love all of your words, Thank You.

[@krithikanc6206]

One of the best talks on ted 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@triniguy88]

The transcript on this talk is so helpful.

[@jesterrace1111]

God bless you, madame

[@LaDayna04]

you are wonderful......

[@MetaMM]

So agree!

[@ApPersonaNonGrata]

7:59 -8: 11 EVERY single thing that (ever) happened to you is yours. (you own it. it's yours to share, if you want to).

[@paulinewhalen6761]

Great message and thanks for the good laugh 💖

[@yoka1st]

Wonderful!!!

[@scottwood928]

Anne Lamott is an inspiration. I have seen her in many interviews. I read her book "Operating Instructions," about raising boys. In it, she makes good points, like that an uncircumcised boy is unlikely to pull back his foreskin and clean underneath, so it is good to circumcise.

[@emsmac80]

Well that brought the tears!!

[@mywingedwords]

oh how I love her - inspires the writer in me

[@leephang15]

I love this woman

[@jesur8888]

the is one of the best ted talks I've ever heard

[@debrably8704]

most excellent Angel ..x

[@NevadaRed]

I bought her book I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SHE IS EVERYTHING

[@darlingprincess4822]

loves this.

[@GygyMy]

This is a Gem. This Lady is a gem...

[@rebeccagriffin602]

Thank You.

[@alexandrastefanescu3784]

She is amazing ❤❤❤

[@Gio-mr5qw]

I love her and her share.

[@sanpablo4668]

well said, hippie grandma

[@DjJooze]

Gilf 👅👅

[@Benjamenho]

True love

[@joseespinoza6283]

Hippie? Really?

[@ashzeng7611]

lmao

[@chinasacasmir]

I really really love this talk!

[@nazaninhoushmast4390]

I adore her ♥️

[@juliet298]

Brilliant!

[@melindamckenna6196]

Love TED Talks! They're great when you have insomnia and need to get to sleep in 5 minutes or less.

[@lbburgett]

Love it!!!

[@kritikajaishriradhey]

Hats off! 😇 Awesome talk. 👌 Beautifully expressed. 😍 Thanks a lot. 😊

[@steveb4400]

A lovely lady!

[@Paula-pr1bo]

So insightful ❤️

[@FriendsBuyHousesCom]

This is a great encapsulation of Bird by Bird. I think I would like to watch this on a regular basis, it's enjoyable on so many levels!

[@Criselcustoms]

8:00 i love it

[@search620]

One of the best people on earth love her

[@mmb628jr2]

I like it! Sharp Love.

[@creatingpeace8945]

God, darlin! you r such a rescue now. Love, peace.

[@thecoachingco4696]

wow! so glad I watched this !

[@Uncerten]

Charming!

[@lindseycrittendon4161]

I loved this.

[@merakime5606]

The best ted talk... loved it!!