Asking Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
“I see women who have this struggle between what they know is right, what they know is necessary, what they know is healthy, what they know is good for them, what they know is good for the work that they need to do, what they know is good for their bodies, what they know is good for their families - all too often ending that statement with the upturned question mark: "If it's okay with everyone?" Still asking, still requesting, still filing petitions for somebody to say that it's all right.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Moth, 2016
Women often balance personal values, health, family, and professional duties while seeking external approval, leading to self‑doubt and hesitation.
In simple terms: Balancing many good feels like asking for permission.
Key Takeaway
Trust your own judgment.
Themes
identity
approval
balance
self‑doubt
agency
Mood
reflective
determined
hopeful
Type
advice
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- health choices
- family discussions
- advocacy
- personal development
Key Concepts
feminism
ethical decision‑making
social pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- What would change if you stopped seeking others' approval?
- How can you prioritize your own values?
A Different Perspective
External validation can stall progress and erode confidence.
![“And while [we] do have possibilities that are vast and magnificent and almost infinite in scope, it's important to remember that our choice-rich lives have the potential to breed their own brand of trouble. We are susceptible to emotional uncertainties and neuroses that are probably not very…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7fb/elizabeth-gilbert-131_choice_and-while-we-do-have-possibilities-that_30637.jpg)
