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Courage Quote by Clarice Lispector

“Holding someone's hand was always my idea of joy. Often before falling asleep - in that small struggle not to lose consciousness and enter the greater world - often, before having the courage to go toward the greatness of sleep, I pretend that someone is holding my hand and I go, go toward the…” quote by Clarice Lispector
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““Holding someone's hand was always my idea of joy. Often before falling asleep - in that small struggle not to lose consciousness and enter the greater world - often, before having the courage to go toward the greatness of sleep, I pretend that someone is holding my hand and I go, go toward the enormous absence of form that is sleep. And when even then I can't find the courage, then I dream.””

Clarice Lispector

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Dream of Sleep, 1978

Imagining a comforting hand helps confront fear of the unknown, using sleep as a metaphor for surrendering control.

In simple terms: Pretending someone holds your hand eases fear of sleeping.

Key Takeaway

Use imagination to ease anxiety before sleep.

Themes

fear comfort imagination sleep consciousness

Mood

calming introspective

Type

philosophical poetic

When to use this quote

  • nighttime routine
  • meditation before bed
  • creative visualization
  • writing prompts

Key Concepts

psychology metaphor self‑soothing existential reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What comforting image could you use to calm yourself?
  • How does imagining support affect your sleep quality?
A Different Perspective

May not work for those with severe insomnia or trauma.

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