Almost everyone is screwed up, broken, clingy, scared, and yet designed for joy. Even {or especially} people who seem to have it more or less together are more like the rest of us than you would believe. I try not to compare my insides to their outsides, because this makes me much worse than I already am
In her book "Almost Everything: Notes on Hope," Anne Lamott explores the common struggles and vulnerabilities that people face. She emphasizes that regardless of how composed someone appears on the outside, they are likely grappling with their own issues, fears, and insecurities. This shared human experience highlights that many individuals feel broken or lost, yet have an inherent capacity for joy.
Lamott advises against comparing one's internal struggles to others' external appearances, as this can exacerbate one’s own feelings of inadequacy. Her reflections serve as a reminder that everyone is dealing with their own challenges, and fostering empathy towards ourselves and others can lead to a more hopeful perspective.