God never slams a door in your face without opening a box of chocolates...
The book Eat, Pray, Love
Elizabeth Gilbert, a well-known writer, is going through a divorce. To distract herself and boost her self-esteem, she starts a passionate affair. The intensity, love, and vivid experiences help for a while.
Now she is tormented by other worries. What is a woman supposed to do besides being a mother to a cute toddler, a wife, and a career-driven professional?
Liz falls into the clutches of depression.
I’ve also been through the pre-divorce turmoil. It’s a stage filled with questions: why isn’t the old way working anymore, am I doing the right thing, or is it just hormones and I need to endure it? I doubted my own feelings and didn’t know where reality ended.
To heal her wounds, Julia travels to Italy. A country of inveterate hedonists and centenarians.
This is my favorite part of the book. Here, the cult of food and pleasure reigns. The juicy colors of ripe tomatoes, the light intoxication of young wine, mountains of pasta, and the lemony aftertaste of dolce vita.
Nothing seems more important than the aroma of coffee, and nothing more complex than choosing a dinner menu. The afternoon nap and homemade olive oil are objects of worship. Emotional conversations about pleasure and sex, generously seasoned with gesticulation.
During depression, when even the simplest actions require superhuman effort, being well-fed and well-rested is a feat.
Our body is not just a machine for achieving goals. It’s a delicate, precious instrument, perfect in itself.
Italy becomes Julia’s recovery ward. Before rushing anywhere or fearing tomorrow, take care of yourself now—because you’ve survived a divorce. It’s hard; the body needs energy to heal.
The cheerful Italians bring Liz back to life. I love Italy. Large, loud families, tables set in the middle of the street, countless plates of food. And how they dance. “Dance as if you’re breathing,” the Italians advise.
It’s worth learning to love solitude.
Once her body and mind are in order, she heads to Bali. A year of travel to restore herself and rediscover her life. On Bali, she receives a surprise. Amidst the exotic nature, she finds love.
Highly recommended!
The experience of others gives a sense of belonging—you’re not alone. And it also offers hope that everything has an end, even suffering.
