Loving Quote by Emily Todd VanDerWerff
““There’s nothing wrong with being happy. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying something so much that it strips away all that irony and cynicism. And there’s nothing wrong with loving anything so much that it feels like it could pull your heart out of your chest and toss it on the floor. We build ourselves up to not do that, and then we build up the armor so thickly that we have trouble finding what’s underneath. We use that as an excuse to lash out at people who do feel stuff, who do like things (and I am, of course, mostly saying this about myself). It’s hard sometimes to remember that the world isn’t a place to glide through, so nothing can touch you. It’s a place to be experienced.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Embracing Emotion, 2020
Embracing joy and love fully, despite fear of vulnerability, allows authentic experience.
In simple terms: Feel deeply, accept joy and love.
Key Takeaway
Allow yourself to feel fully.
Themes
emotion
authenticity
joy
vulnerability
self‑acceptance
Mood
hopeful
candid
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative work
- personal growth
- relationships
- mental health
Key Concepts
depth
armor
experience
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What protects you from emotional overload?
- How can you balance joy and safety?
A Different Perspective
Over‑exposure can lead to hurt.
