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Be more than ready. Be present in your discipline…

“Be more than ready. Be present in your discipline. Remember your gift. Be grateful for your gift and treat it like a gift. Cherish it, take care of it, and pass it on. Use your time to bathe yourself in that gift. Move your hand across the canvas. Go to museums. Make this into an obsession… What…” quote by Anna Deavere Smith
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““Be more than ready. Be present in your discipline. Remember your gift. Be grateful for your gift and treat it like a gift. Cherish it, take care of it, and pass it on. Use your time to bathe yourself in that gift. Move your hand across the canvas. Go to museums. Make this into an obsession… What you are will show, ultimately. Start now, every day, becoming, in your actions, your regular actions, what you would like to become in the bigger scheme of things.””

Anna Deavere Smith

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

She urges constant presence, gratitude, and dedication to one's gifts, turning them into daily obsessions.

In simple terms: Stay present, grateful, and obsess over your gift.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate daily devotion to your talent.

Themes

creativity gratitude obsession

Mood

inspirational motivational

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • painting
  • museum visits
  • daily practice
  • skill development

Key Concepts

mindfulness artistic discipline

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance obsession with rest?
  • What rituals keep your gift alive?
A Different Perspective

Obsessive focus can lead to burnout.

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