Okay, I admit it.
The Curious Columnist
I’ve had a quote collection since childhood – and it’s a doozy. (Alas, quote collecting is one of my many curious quirks.)
Back in the day, long before smart phones, I habitually repeated thought-provoking quotes I encountered over and over to memorize them.
I would then jot down my treasure trove of quotes at the first opportunity, ensuring they became permanent mental fixtures which I could call upon when needed.
Even today, on occasions in which anyone utters something profound, I grasp whatever preservation tool is within reach (Sharpie, iPhone, eyeliner pencil, Starbucks napkin) to preserve the brilliance I’ve just stumbled upon.
My current quote collection is partially floating around in my head, partially saved in my iPhone notes, and partially written on good old-fashioned index cards.
Just recently, a soul-stirring quote on loss and purpose from the great and powerful, Oprah Winfrey reemerged from the depths of my memory:
“When the soul gets what it came to get, it goes.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
I don’t recall when exactly I first encountered this insightful quote. (Dates are not required in my documentation system.)
What I know for sure, is that this particular quote inspired such an aha moment for me, that I’ll certainly never forgot it.
Oprah’s notion can reframe any kind of loss – business breakups, faded friendships, divorces or parting of partners, circumstances that came to a close, and even deaths.
The transformative quote puts a new, heartening spin on the departure of loved ones to emphasize the greater life purpose with which we are all endowed.
Rather than dwelling on present, temporary pain during divides and demises, we can instead choose to utilize the experience of loss to change our perspective for the better.
Oprah’s remark is reminiscent of another brilliant tidbit from my quote collection, courtesy of Albert Einstein:
“In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity.” ~ Albert Einstein
(Maybe O and Al both enjoyed access to some top-secret metaphysical life lessons wavelength. Hey, it could happen.)
Like Oprah’s quote, Albert Einstein’s powerful logic can also be applied to all varieties of painful passings.
Whether we walked out the proverbial doors ourselves or someone else did, just think how much negativity and hurt we could have avoided if we embraced the belief that everyone involved did what they came to do, and it’s time to take advantage of the opportunity to mosey towards peace and move on.
Afterall, everyone – even bad eggs, came into our lives and our relationships to do something.
What that something is doesn’t really matter.
At the end of day, obsessing over the mysterious reasons for the entrances and exits in our lives seems like an epic waste of precious time.
What does matter is collecting the takeaways and evolving into who we are supposed to be, all the stronger for the harrowing losses we endure.
Jennifer Silverman has served as a celebrity wardrobe stylist for hundreds of TV personalities and professional athletes. A few of her favorite projects include the Olympic Games and the Oscars. Silverman and her Westie, Petunia, relocated from Manhattan to Amelia Island in 2019. Additional quirky commentary penned by Silverman is available by visiting www.CuriousColumnist.com Email her at Jennifer@CuriousColumnist.com
