Amanda Lovelace’s ‘the princess saves herself in this one’ is a modern poetry collection that redefines the traditional fairy tale narrative. Lovelace’s words are a powerful testament to resilience, self-love, and empowerment. Here, we explore 30 of the most inspiring quotes from her collection, each accompanied by a brief analysis.
1. “Ah, life—the thing that happens to us while we’re off somewhere else blowing on dandelies & wishing ourselves into the pages of our favorite fairy tales.”
Lovelace reminds us that life doesn’t wait for our daydreams to finish. We must actively participate in our own story. It is a call to be present, to engage with life here and now, rather than losing ourselves in fantasies.
2. “Repeat after me: you owe no one your forgiveness. – except maybe yourself.”
Forgiveness is a personal journey, and Lovelace emphasizes that we are not obligated to forgive others. However, forgiving ourselves is often key to healing and moving forward.
3. “I didn’t leave because I stopped loving you, I left because the longer I stayed the less I loved myself.”
This quote underscores the importance of self-love and self-respect in relationships. One should never compromise their self-worth for the sake of love.
4. “There is no bigger illusion in the world than the idea that a woman will bring disaster.”
Lovelace challenges the age-old myth of women being carriers of disaster. It’s a powerful statement against gender stereotypes and a call for the re-evaluation of such narratives.
5. “You are the dragon breathing fire. Beautiful mane. I am not afraid.”
This quote empowers readers to embrace their strength and courage. It reassures us that we can face and overcome our fears.
6. “Once upon a time, the princess rose from the ashes her dragon lovers made of her & crowned herself the mother-f*ing queen of herself.”
Lovelace redefines the princess narrative, emphasizing that one can rise from their sufferings and become the ruler of their own life.
7. “Friendship— is more than just a word. It’s a sentence. It’s a life sentence. It’s being sentenced to a life of companionship.”
This quote highlights the profound bond of friendship. It’s not just a word, but a lifelong commitment to companionship and mutual support.
8. “Books, my dears, have a way of making us feel less alone in the world.”
Here, Lovelace celebrates the magic of books. They can be companions in solitude, offering comfort, wisdom, and a sense of connection with others.
9. “Your body is a museum of natural disasters. Can you grasp how stunning that is?”
Lovelace encourages body positivity by reminding us of the strength and resilience our bodies hold. She urges us to see our bodies as works of art, beautiful in their uniqueness.
10. “She conquered her demons and wore her scars like wings.”
This quote is a testament to the power of overcoming personal struggles. Our scars, both physical and emotional, are not signs of weakness but symbols of our resilience.
11. “If I am the longest relationship of my life, isn’t it time to nurture intimacy and love with the person I lie in bed with each night – myself.”
Lovelace highlights the importance of self-love and self-care. We are, after all, the constant in our lives, and we should cherish and nurture that relationship.
12. “No, I will not be quiet. I cannot believe you still do not see the privilege that allows you to demand silence.”
This quote is a fierce refusal to be silenced. It challenges the privilege that some individuals have, often unknowingly, and asserts the right to speak one’s truth.
13. “Death, I need you to become a person so I can tell you how much I hate you.”
Lovelace candidly expresses the anger and pain that comes with losing loved ones. It’s an honest depiction of grief that many can relate to.
14. “Grief is the final act of love.”
This quote portrays grief as an extension of love. It’s a poignant reminder that our grief is a reflection of the depth of our love for someone.
15. “I am a lioness who is no longer afraid to let the world hear her roar.”
This quote embodies self-confidence and the courage to express oneself boldly. It’s a call to embrace our unique voice and not fear judgment.
16. “Silence has always been my loudest scream.”
Lovelace explores the paradox of silence—how its absence of sound can sometimes express more than words could.
17. “You treat them like they have a heart like yours but not everyone can be as soft and as tender. You don’t see the person they are; you see the person they have the potential to be.”
This quote warns against projecting our own feelings and values onto others. It advises us to see people as they are, not as we wish them to be.
18. “I am made of water, of course I am emotional.”
Lovelace reclaims and embraces the label of being emotional. It’s a reminder that our emotions are a part of us, and they shouldn’t be suppressed or dismissed.
19. “The only thing required to be a woman is to identify as one.”
This quote supports the idea of gender identity being self-determined. It firmly asserts that one’s identity as a woman is not tied to biological or societal expectations, but to personal identification.
20. “Do not look for healing at the feet of those who broke you.”
Lovelace urges us to seek healing within ourselves, rather than from those who caused our pain. It’s a call for self-care and self-love during the journey of recovery.
21. “Rapunzel is just the story of a girl so tired of being locked away in a tower that she cuts off her own hair & uses it as a rope to escape.”
This reimagined narrative of Rapunzel symbolizes self-reliance and the courage to escape oppressive circumstances.
22. “She was a princess with the strength of a warrior.”
Lovelace combines traditional and modern roles to create a powerful female character who embodies both grace and strength.
23. “I am the blood of the dragon. I must be strong. I must have fire in my eyes when I face them, not tears.”
This quote encourages readers to confront challenges with strength and determination. It’s about harnessing inner fire and resilience in the face of adversity.
24. “A lion does not lose sleep over the opinions of sheep.”
Lovelace uses this proverb to remind us not to be swayed by the opinions of those who don’t matter. It’s a call to stay true to our own beliefs and values.
25. “It took me years to realize that my deep need of a life companion was not just about love, it was about not wanting to face the world alone.”
This quote explores the human need for companionship. It’s an honest reflection on the fear of loneliness and the desire for shared experiences.
26. “I am a woman who has been through hell and come out singing.”
This quote is a triumphant declaration of survival. It’s about coming out of adversities stronger and more vibrant than before.
27. “I am a warrior in a world of worriers.”
Lovelace positions herself as a beacon of strength amidst a sea of anxieties. It’s about standing firm regardless of the worries and fears that surround us.
28. “I was music but you had your ears cut off.”
This quote reflects on unrequited love and unappreciated efforts. It’s a poignant reminder that not everyone will value us as we deserve.
29. “She built a kingdom from the books of poetry left behind & learned to live with the loneliness.”
This quote speaks to the healing power of poetry and solitude. It’s about finding strength and comfort in words and self-company.
30. “The only way out is through.”
Lovelace concludes with this simple yet profound truth. It’s a reminder that to overcome challenges, we must face them head-on. It’s a call for courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Each of these quotes from ‘the princess saves herself in this one’ offers a nugget of wisdom, a call to action, or a moment for reflection. They are reminders of our inherent strength and resilience, our power to heal ourselves, and the importance of self-love and self-empowerment.