Believe that the sort of life you wish to live is, at this very moment, just waiting for you to summon it up. And when you wish for it, you begin moving toward it, and it, in turn, begins moving toward you.
Suzan-Lori Parks
Mount Holyoke College Commencement 2001, 2001
The Story Behind This Quote
Suzan-Lori Parks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of 'Topdog/Underdog,' returned to her alma mater Mount Holyoke College in 2001 to deliver the commencement address — and to receive her first honorary degree. She structured the speech as '16 Suggestions Which May Be of Use,' a format that was playful and practical in equal measure. This quote came from her sixteenth and final suggestion: 'Be Bold. Envision Yourself Living a Life that You Love.' Parks asked graduates to believe, even if only for a moment, that the life they wanted was not distant or impossible but already in motion toward them. She closed by quoting James Baldwin, her former creative writing teacher who had once suggested she try playwriting: 'Your crown has been bought and paid for. All you have to do is put it on your head.'
Collect Your Favorite Quotes
Save quotes that inspire you. Build your personal collection of wisdom in Minditly — available on both platforms.