--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Yesterday I was talking to a friend, and…" description: "\"“Yesterday I was talking to a friend, and she mentioned there was a difference in me. She asked if I was happy, and commented that she noticed I seemed..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/j-son-m-lee-36138_books_yesterday-i-was-talking-to-a-friend-and_882831.jpg" --- # Yesterday I was talking to a friend, and she mentioned… ![“Yesterday I was talking to a friend, and she mentioned there was a difference in me. She asked if I was happy, and commented that she noticed I seemed less excited about life. When I probed deeper, she commented I used to be excited about writing, my play, etc. Not that I needed to explain, but I…” quote by J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/j-son-m-lee-36138_books_yesterday-i-was-talking-to-a-friend-and_882831.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/j-son-m-lee-36138_books_yesterday-i-was-talking-to-a-friend-and_882831.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/j-son-m-lee-36138_books_yesterday-i-was-talking-to-a-friend-and_882831.jpg) > ““Yesterday I was talking to a friend, and she mentioned there was a difference in me. She asked if I was happy, and commented that she noticed I seemed less excited about life. When I probed deeper, she commented I used to be excited about writing, my play, etc. Not that I needed to explain, but I felt she needed to hear this: "I am not one of those writers who cranks out book after book. Yes, when I was writing my first book and when I was working on my play, I was all in. It felt like a calling. I was driven to do it...but I'm so much more than a writer. I'm in a new phase of my life. I'm exploring other interests. My focus is different-no less exciting-but different all the same. I'm comfortable with that, and I need you to be comfortable with it, too. I'm contented. I like that word better than happy. I'm always up to something. Don't be distracted by my seriousness. That usually means I'm thinking. If something were wrong, I have no trouble reaching out for help. I'm keenly in touch with myself." I say this to say, folk will measure you by a past accomplishment (or failure in some cases) and forever hold you to that standard. It's okay to change your path...to follow your dreams...to allow room for another passion. You don't need anyone's permission.”” [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker explains that personal growth may involve shifting passions and redefining success beyond past achievements. **In simple terms:** Changing interests is normal and healthy. Key Takeaway Embrace new directions without guilt. Themes identity growth self‑acceptance expectations purpose Mood reflective hopeful determined Type personal motivational When to use this quote - career change - creative projects - mental health - relationship dynamics - seeking support Key Concepts life‑stage transition intrinsic motivation self‑awareness Questions to Reflect On - How can you honor past work while pursuing new goals? - What signs indicate you’re ready for a shift? A Different Perspective Past expectations can create pressure and self‑doubt. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Excited about life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/excited-about-life/) [Follow your dreams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/follow-your-dreams/) [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Inspirational attitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational-attitude/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [I just love life. I'm excited about things in life. I think that if you're excited about life, you are excited about waking up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salma-hayek/i-just-love-life-i-m-excited-about-things-in-life-i-think-that-if-you/) [Salma Hayek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salma-hayek/) > [I'm always excited about life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ed-reed/i-m-always-excited-about-life/) [Ed Reed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ed-reed/) > [“Choose thoughts that give you the emotions of being alive and excited about life.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryant-mcgill/choose-thoughts-that-give-you-the-emotions-of-being-alive-and-excited/) [Bryant McGill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryant-mcgill/) > [I'm just excited about life. Life is really good right now with my family and friends, and being able to work with people I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/regina-hall/i-m-just-excited-about-life-life-is-really-good-right-now-with-my/) [Regina Hall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/regina-hall/) > [I'm always excited about life in general.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/metta-world-peace/i-m-always-excited-about-life-in-general/) [Metta World Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/metta-world-peace/) > [I'm not the most sophisticated person. I'm not the smartest person in the world. But, I know what makes me excited about life, from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-m-chu/i-m-not-the-most-sophisticated-person-i-m-not-the-smartest-person-in/) [Jon M. Chu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-m-chu/) > [I feel like being pregnant and entering this new stage has made me stronger and more excited about life in general. Everything seems so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/naturi-naughton/i-feel-like-being-pregnant-and-entering-this-new-stage-has-made-me/) [Naturi Naughton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/naturi-naughton/) > [When you know clearly what you want, you'll wake up every morning excited about life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-victor-hansen/when-you-know-clearly-what-you-want-you-ll-wake-up-every-morning/) [Mark Victor Hansen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-victor-hansen/) > [Excited about life!!! Why should you worry about those things that you have no control over let go and let GOD.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/excited-about-life-why-should-you-worry-about-those-things-that-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [We are so excited about life and about every song.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tucker-halpern/we-are-so-excited-about-life-and-about-every-song/) [Tucker Halpern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tucker-halpern/) > [The first thing a writer has to do is find a new source of income.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ellen-gilchrist/the-first-thing-a-writer-has-to-do-is-find-a-new-source-of-income/) [Ellen Gilchrist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ellen-gilchrist/) > [It's a great luxury to have the writer with you on a new play because you can write and re-write, just trying to get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-mccabe/it-s-a-great-luxury-to-have-the-writer-with-you-on-a-new-play-because/) [Richard McCabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-mccabe/) > [Every writer at the New Yorker is smarter than me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-dylan/every-writer-at-the-new-yorker-is-smarter-than-me/) [Bob Dylan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-dylan/) > [Yes, writing is essential to me. It's my way of living in the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-messud/yes-writing-is-essential-to-me-it-s-my-way-of-living-in-the-world/) [Claire Messud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-messud/) > [Yes, writing is not easy. But can any writer imagine NOT writing?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jacqueline-woodson/yes-writing-is-not-easy-but-can-any-writer-imagine-not-writing/) [Jacqueline Woodson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jacqueline-woodson/) ## More by J'son M. Lee > [“I can share my dreams, and even encourage you along the way, but you have to have your own dreams. You have to want…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/i-can-share-my-dreams-and-even-encourage-you-along-the-way-but-you/) [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) > [“I don't debate where there is no debate. I'm smart. You're stupid. Debate over.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/i-don-t-debate-where-there-is-no-debate-i-m-smart-you-re-stupid/) [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) > [“Sometimes people are so genuinely themselves they aren't conscious of the fact they have wronged you; sometimes you shouldn't care enough to bring it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/sometimes-people-are-so-genuinely-themselves-they-aren-t-conscious-of/) [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) > [“People need to learn the art of making an argument. Often there is no right or wrong. It's just your opinion vs someone else's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/people-need-to-learn-the-art-of-making-an-argument-often-there-is-no/) [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) > [“One thing I've learned is that you can't want a relationship by yourself. A relationship, by definition, is an emotional or other connection between…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/one-thing-i-ve-learned-is-that-you-can-t-want-a-relationship-by/) [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) > [“Sometimes I get so frustrated with folk talking about how busy the devil is. Own your mess! You might be the devil. Stop inviting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/sometimes-i-get-so-frustrated-with-folk-talking-about-how-busy-the/) [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) > [“Shame is the demon that keeps many of us trapped in our pain; healing comes when we gain the courage to confront our demon(s).”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/shame-is-the-demon-that-keeps-many-of-us-trapped-in-our-pain-healing/) [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) > [“The more money I make...the more I focus on my marriage...the more I love...the more I forgive...the more I mind my business...the less fucks…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/the-more-money-i-make-the-more-i-focus-on-my-marriage-the-more-i-love/) [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) > [“I, too, am a drum major for justice. I will continue to speak out-LOUD and PROUD- as long as gay youth are killing themselves…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/i-too-am-a-drum-major-for-justice-i-will-continue-to-speak-out-loud/) [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) > [“Folk spend so much time trying to be connected to people because of who they are, what that relationship represents to them or what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/folk-spend-so-much-time-trying-to-be-connected-to-people-because-of/) [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) > [“I get so excited when I hear people saying their greater is coming. After all, I’m always telling everyone to find the positive. Yes,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/i-get-so-excited-when-i-hear-people-saying-their-greater-is-coming/) [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) > [“Existing is going through the motions of life with no zeal and feeling you have no control; living means embracing all that this large…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/existing-is-going-through-the-motions-of-life-with-no-zeal-and/) [J'son M. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) [Explore all 13 J'son M. Lee quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-son-m-lee/) ## More Books quotes > [I think a new world will arise out of the religious mists when we approach our Bible with the idea that it is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aiden-wilson-tozer/i-think-a-new-world-will-arise-out-of-the-religious-mists-when-we/) [Aiden Wilson Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aiden-wilson-tozer/) > [If I had a dollar for every time I couldn’t sleep, I could buy a billion locks and finally read a book in peace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aesop-rock/if-i-had-a-dollar-for-every-time-i-couldn-t-sleep-i-could-buy-a/) [Aesop Rock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aesop-rock/) > [If what I write is literature, I guess you'd better emphasize the 'litter.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lydia-lunch/if-what-i-write-is-literature-i-guess-you-d-better-emphasize-the/) [Lydia Lunch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lydia-lunch/) > [My sentences got sharper and my stories more efficient, and I gradually learned to imagine the reader more clearly and to empathize with that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-thompson-walker/my-sentences-got-sharper-and-my-stories-more-efficient-and-i/) [Karen Thompson Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-thompson-walker/) > [Young men, especially in America, write to me and ask me to recommend “a course of reading.” Distrust a course of reading! People who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-lang/young-men-especially-in-america-write-to-me-and-ask-me-to-recommend-a/) [Andrew Lang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-lang/) > [“Within the pages of books, I've journeyed to Mandalay, the Milky Way and Santa Fe, without once having to leave my armchair.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-ansbro/within-the-pages-of-books-i-ve-journeyed-to-mandalay-the-milky-way/) [Kevin Ansbro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-ansbro/) > [The Rosary is the book of the blind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fulton-j-sheen/the-rosary-is-the-book-of-the-blind/) [Fulton J. Sheen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fulton-j-sheen/) > [“Tacitus did not write a most dangerous book. His readers made it so.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-k-krebs/tacitus-did-not-write-a-most-dangerous-book-his-readers-made-it-so/) Christopher K. 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There is nothing like a child who knows more about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/floyd-cooper/i-have-many-who-keep-me-going-i-am-very-fortunate-in-this-sense-there/) [Floyd Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/floyd-cooper/) > [I think books in which people are really happy and things are going well are probably the most challenging novels there are to write,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-quindlen/i-think-books-in-which-people-are-really-happy-and-things-are-going/) [Anna Quindlen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-quindlen/) > [It's like the query letter problem that I just mentioned, magnified a hundredfold. You might be good at telling a story, but that doesn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-rothfuss/it-s-like-the-query-letter-problem-that-i-just-mentioned-magnified-a/) [Patrick Rothfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-rothfuss/) > [“Be careful about reading health books. Some fine day you'll die of a misprint.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/markus-herz/be-careful-about-reading-health-books-some-fine-day-you-ll-die-of-a/) Markus Herz > [But editors are still the world's readers. And thus the eyes of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/betsy-lerner/but-editors-are-still-the-world-s-readers-and-thus-the-eyes-of-the/) [Betsy Lerner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/betsy-lerner/) [Browse all 59,485 Books quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Yesterday I was talking to a friend, and she mentioned there was a difference in me. She asked if I was happy, and commented that she noticed I seemed less excited about life. When I probed deeper, she commented I used to be excited about writing, my play, etc. Not that I needed to explain, but I felt she needed to hear this: \"I am not one of those writers who cranks out book after book. Yes, when I was writing my first book and when I was working on my play, I was all in. It felt like a calling. I was driven to do it...but I'm so much more than a writer. I'm in a new phase of my life. I'm exploring other interests. My focus is different-no less exciting-but different all the same. I'm comfortable with that, and I need you to be comfortable with it, too. I'm contented. I like that word better than happy. I'm always up to something. Don't be distracted by my seriousness. That usually means I'm thinking. If something were wrong, I have no trouble reaching out for help. I'm keenly in touch with myself.\" I say this to say, folk will measure you by a past accomplishment (or failure in some cases) and forever hold you to that standard. It's okay to change your path...to follow your dreams...to allow room for another passion. You don't need anyone's permission.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "J'son M. Lee" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/yesterday-i-was-talking-to-a-friend-and-she-mentioned-there-was-a/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Books" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-son-m-lee/yesterday-i-was-talking-to-a-friend-and-she-mentioned-there-was-a/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/j-son-m-lee-36138_books_yesterday-i-was-talking-to-a-friend-and_882831.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/j-son-m-lee-36138_books_yesterday-i-was-talking-to-a-friend-and_882831.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/j-son-m-lee-36138_books_yesterday-i-was-talking-to-a-friend-and_882831.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Yesterday I was talking to a friend, and she mentioned there was a difference in me. She asked if I was…” — J'son M. 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