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I remember I wanted to get away; I wanted to run. I…

“I remember I wanted to get away; I wanted to run. I couldn't stand any more. But I didn't want to run. I wanted everything to be perfect; everything was going to be great - I just had to be careful. I was responsible for it all. The clouds coming, I was dragging them towards us; my thoughts were…” quote by Roddy Doyle
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““I remember I wanted to get away; I wanted to run. I couldn't stand any more. But I didn't want to run. I wanted everything to be perfect; everything was going to be great - I just had to be careful. I was responsible for it all. The clouds coming, I was dragging them towards us; my thoughts were doing it. I was ruining everything. It was up to me. I could control the whole day. All I had to do was make sure that I made no stupid mistakes. Don't walk on the cracks. Don't look at the clouds. It's up to you.””

Roddy Doyle

About This Quote

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

The speaker feels overwhelming responsibility for perfection, believing they control outcomes and must avoid mistakes.

In simple terms: Feeling of total control and fear of error.

Key Takeaway

Accept imperfection and share responsibility.

Themes

responsibility perfectionism control anxiety

Mood

anxious reflective

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • creative work
  • personal relationships
  • decision making
  • stress management

Key Concepts

psychology self‑efficacy cognitive distortion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does striving for perfection affect your wellbeing?
  • What would happen if you let go of total control?
A Different Perspective

Perfectionism can paralyze and distort reality.

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