Change things Quote by Augusten Burroughs
““I believe in the baby Jesus, and I believe he is handsome and lives in the sky with his pet cow. I believe that it is essential the cow like you, and if you pet the cow with your mind, it will lick your hand and give you cash. But if you make the cow angry, it will turn away from you, forget you exist, and your life will fall into shambles. I believe that as long as the cow likes you, you can get what you want. In order to keep the cow’s favor, you need to ‘let go and let God,’ meaning you can’t obsess about controlling every little thing. You have to let things unfold naturally, and not try to change things you cannot change. On the other hand, I believe that if you’ve made the cow happy by living this way, you’re allowed to ask for favors...””
About This Quote
A whimsical allegory urging trust in a higher power and acceptance of uncertainty, using a cow as a metaphor for divine favor.
In simple terms: Trust and surrender to higher forces, avoid over‑control.
Key Takeaway
Release control, trust the process.
Themes
faith
trust
letting go
mindfulness
spirituality
Mood
reflective
hopeful
playful
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- stress management
- spiritual practice
- goal setting
Key Concepts
metaphor
allegory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice letting go without losing agency?
- What does “the cow” represent in your life?
A Different Perspective
Relies on absurd imagery that may confuse literal thinkers.
