In her book "Bird by Bird," Anne Lamott reflects on the frustrating experience of trying to recapture fleeting moments of inspiration or creativity. She describes this struggle as akin to remembering a dream, where you feel it just out of reach, evoking a sense of longing and disappointment. This inability to hold onto these powerful insights leaves a profound impact, as it highlights the ephemeral nature of creativity.

Lamott articulates the deep emotional resonance tied to losing a wonderful moment or idea that one once possessed. The anguish of knowing it existed but being unable to retrieve it is, for her, one of life's more troubling feelings. This highlights the challenges writers and creatives face, making the act of creation both a rewarding and painful journey.