Diary Quote by Elizabeth Gaskell
““My father once made us," she began, "keep a diary, in two columns; on one side we were to put down in the morning what we thought would be the course and events of the coming day, and at night we were to put down on the other side what really had happened. It would be to some people rather a sad way of telling their lives," (a tear dropped upon my hand at these words) - "I don't mean that mine has been sad, only so very different to what I expected.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell, 1848
The quote reflects on using a diary to compare expectations with reality, highlighting how life often diverges from plans, sometimes in unexpected or poignant ways.
In simple terms: Comparing plans with what actually happens reveals life's surprises.
Key Takeaway
Track expectations versus outcomes to understand change.
Themes
self‑reflection
expectation
reality
memory
empathy
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
thoughtful
Type
literary
personal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal journaling
- goal setting
- learning from experience
- emotional processing
Key Concepts
narrative therapy
psychology
expectancy theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your daily expectations shape your perception of success?
- What can you learn from the gaps between plans and outcomes?
A Different Perspective
It may oversimplify complex lives into binary expectations versus outcomes.
