--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They taught us that extending ourselves…" description: "\"“They taught us that extending ourselves to others would help us stay sober and sane. But they also wanted us to extend ourselves to our own horrible s..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b83/anne-lamott-188_cup-of-tea_they-taught-us-that-extending-ourselves_767838.png" --- # They taught us that extending ourselves to others would… ![“They taught us that extending ourselves to others would help us stay sober and sane. But they also wanted us to extend ourselves to our own horrible selves, get ourselves a lovely cup of tea. It was and is the hardest work ever.” quote by Anne Lamott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b83/anne-lamott-188_cup-of-tea_they-taught-us-that-extending-ourselves_767838.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b83/anne-lamott-188_cup-of-tea_they-taught-us-that-extending-ourselves_767838.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b83/anne-lamott-188_cup-of-tea_they-taught-us-that-extending-ourselves_767838.png) > ““They taught us that extending ourselves to others would help us stay sober and sane. But they also wanted us to extend ourselves to our own horrible selves, get ourselves a lovely cup of tea. It was and is the hardest work ever.”” [Anne Lamott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-lamott/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Extending compassion to others and to our own flaws is essential for mental health, yet it remains the hardest work. **In simple terms:** Helping others and ourselves is vital but difficult. Key Takeaway Practice self‑compassion and empathy. Themes compassion mental health self‑acceptance Mood empathetic thoughtful Type inspirational reflective When to use this quote - therapy - support groups - daily mindfulness Key Concepts psychology spirituality Questions to Reflect On - What inner barriers stop you from being kind to yourself? - How can you balance helping others with self‑care? A Different Perspective Self‑compassion can be resisted by ego. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cup of tea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cup-of-tea/) [Extend](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/extend/) [Stay Sober](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stay-sober-259867/) [Taught Extending](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taught-extending-5942272/) [Tea Hardest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tea-hardest-5942271/) [Wanted Extend](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wanted-extend-5942270/) ## Related quotes > [“It took me one more year to admit that I could no longer control my drinking. 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