Anne Lamott's quote, "Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird," encapsulates the essence of patience and incremental progress, particularly in the context of tackling life's challenges or pursuing creative endeavors.
The phrase "bird by bird" metaphorically suggests a step-by-step approach to overcoming obstacles. It emphasizes that rather than becoming overwhelmed by a daunting task or a complex problem, one should focus on addressing smaller, manageable parts of it. This method encourages individuals to break down their goals into achievable steps, making the process less intimidating.
The term "buddy" introduces a sense of camaraderie and support, implying that the journey is not faced in isolation but shared among peers or friends. This aspect of the quote highlights the importance of community and connection when navigating life's difficulties.
Overall, Lamott's advice serves as a reminder to approach challenges with patience and humility, advocating for a mindset that values progress, however small. By taking things "bird by bird," individuals can foster resilience and maintain motivation, ultimately leading to success in their endeavors.
“Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report written on birds that he'd had three months to write, which was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books about birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him put his arm around my brother's shoulder, and said, "Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.”
“Then you are the bird, and the bird, and the bird.”
“Say I'm a bird! Say it! Say it now!""You're a bird.""Now say you're a bird too.""If you're a bird, I'm a bird.”
“These are the days when birds come back, a very few, a Bird or two, to take a backward look.”
“For us, a pretty bird is a pretty bird; for an insect, pretty bird is an ugly enemy!”