"You have to go the way your blood beats. If you don't live the only life you have, you won't live some other life, you won't live any life at all." -James Baldwin
This quote by James Baldwin is one that resonates with me on such an intense and personal level and I thought I would share it with you. Take from it what you will. Personally it is the best validation that I've ever received as a black same gender loving man. Not that I was specifically seeking validation, nor was I searching for this quote. I guess it just found me.
James Baldwin
I just watched "Dirty Laundry" where the last caption is this comment from James Baldwin.
ReplyDeleteThere seem to be no words, even today, that says what he said. It is sad, and even tragic that this is so. But it is. Even now.
The James Baldwin quote speaks to my soul because it's about following your heart's desires - your dreams. I get this restless feeling, a hunger in the pit of my stomach when I'm off course. Rooted in his quote is the underlying thought that we have to be true to ourselves.
ReplyDeleteKeep living out loud!
It's nice to know that others found this quote to be as powerful! This particular quote speaks to my soul because I'm at a time in my life where I just seem to be at a stale mate....I'm blessed to have my health, family, friends, a steady job/career (which I'm not 100% happy with, but I recognized the blessing)....but something is definitely missing......
ReplyDeleteI've been struggling with my job situation...I know that's why the quote meant so much to me. I'm not in the right fied and I don't enjoy what I do. At least once a week, I picture myself quitting. It makes me smile. I'm working on directing this energy into something positive. I'm restless.
ReplyDeleteThat quote is profound. I also saw it at the end of the movie "Dirty Laundry" and the quote resonates within me. It is sad to think that you can make decisions to never fully embellish your life.
ReplyDeleteNG
Excellent quote. It makes you think about the decisions you have made in your life and why. We must take back our lives and be persuaded by our own minds.
ReplyDeleteI found this quote rather intresting! I saw this quote at the end of the movie 'Dirty Laundry'--wow! I truly understand this quote and one can tie it to life so easily...know your calling, know you position in life! Cause not living the life God has granted to you is NOT living life at all!
ReplyDeleteJaqwan Ekiuwa<3
Just as "Anonymous" did back in April, I just finished watching "Dirty Laundry", and I love this quote by James Baldwin. We must play the hand we've been dealt, we don't get another.
ReplyDeleteI watched the movie Dirty Laundry for the first time last Sunday on LOGO. The movie was educational to watch, but, the quote at the end by James Baldwin, touched my spirit, touched my heart, and it touched my mind. I have been lost in everything I can find to read from James Baldwin. What a revelation to my entire being. If he were alive tody, I would simply say thank you for thinking about us.
ReplyDeletemost beautiful quote i v ever read!awesome!...gets one thinking...we all need to think bout our lives...are we truly fulfilled?...why do we always feel an emptiness deep inside no matter all the wonderful family and earthly possesions we have!...to fill that vacuum,the answer is GOD.leaving life without God,is not living life at all!
ReplyDeleteJust finished watching the moving today on BET and I can tell you I can relate to James Baldwin quote in all ways. From being a signle parent, struggling in many ways, being accepted in my new world as an ELL educated yet not trusted to get a good jod, to making sure my kids succeed through borrowing loans which only God my savior knows how I will pay for, to denying myself happiness and hiding my feelings alone even though in a mixed relationship now, still its hard for an only child white born to successful parents to understand how a woman signle yet strong can raise kids by herself. The quote has definately made me step up and stop being afraid about my mixed relationship, put God first also, I do for the most part but sometimes I question when things don't go well. Thank you James Baldwin through watching "Dirty Laundry" I have awaken my soul...I must live life what God has blessed me with.
ReplyDeleteBeing considered "out of the norm" makes me feel sad and weary because society constantly tries to punch its fists into my back. But there are days where I come up for breather and this quote has allowed me to do so. I love it. I live it. I thank God it exists.
ReplyDeleteThis quote blows my mind. It's so profound because when you think about it, a large percent of us are not living our true 'hand' so to speak. We are all alloted ex amount of years; and, because of a tad of trepidation or maybe procrastination, we tend to be stuck where we are. And this could be in a career, relationship, etc.
ReplyDeleteJames Baldwin was a genius; and, this quote has become my favorite. I'm inspired! Hurray for James!
P.S. I did watch Dirty Laundry....great movie! We can learn a lot from same.
Just watched Dirty Laundry and this quote jumped off the screen into my world. I am reading his work and very inspired by JB's gift!
ReplyDelete12-08-2013