Natalie Goldberg, born on April 4, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, is a celebrated American author, teacher, and Zen practitioner. Her career highlights include writing influential books on creativity and mindfulness, such as “Writing Down the Bones” (1986), which has sold over a million copies and empowered countless writers. Goldberg’s achievements also encompass memoirs like “Long Quiet Highway” (1993) and her role as a writing instructor, blending spiritual insights with practical advice. Her quotes about life are drawn from various sources, including books, interviews, and social media, reflecting her wisdom on living mindfully and embracing uncertainty. This list presents 15 of her quotes that explore life’s essence, encouraging reflection and growth.
15 Natalie Goldberg Quotes
1. “Pay attention. That’s all you have to do. It’s the only way to live a life and not exist.” (Book, “Writing Down the Bones,” 1986)
2. “Life is not orderly. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, or fall in love.” (Book, “Writing Down the Bones,” 1986)
3. “We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” (Book, “Long Quiet Highway,” 1993)
4. “The only thing that matters is what you do now, in this moment, because that’s all there is.” (Interview, The Sun Magazine, 2012)
5. “Life is a verb, not a noun. It’s about action, movement, and being fully engaged.” (Social Media, Post on X, @NatalieGoldberg, April 4, 2019)
6. “Don’t wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.” (Book, “Old Friend from Far Away,” 2007)
7. “We are all in the process of becoming, and that process is life itself.” (Book, “Writing Down the Bones,” 1986)
8. “Embrace the messiness of life; it’s where the real beauty and growth happen.” (Social Media, Post on Instagram, @nataliegoldberg, June 10, 2022)
9. “The key to life is to accept challenges and keep moving forward, no matter what.” (Interview, Shambhala Sun, 2005)
10. “Life’s purpose is found in the present, not in some distant future or past regret.” (Book, “The Great Failure,” 2004)
11. “Trust yourself. You’ve survived a lot, and you’ll survive whatever is coming.” (Social Media, Post on Facebook, @NatalieGoldbergAuthor, March 15, 2023)
12. “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the love we didn’t share.” (Book, “Let the Whole Thundering World Come Home,” 2018)
13. “Every day is a new beginning. Treat it as a fresh page in your life’s story.” (Interview, NPR, 2008)
14. “Find joy in the simple things; that’s where true happiness and contentment reside.” (Interview, Good Morning America, 2010)
15. “Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it.” (Book, “Long Quiet Highway,” 1993)
Natalie Goldberg’s quotes reveal a deep, compassionate view of life, emphasizing mindfulness, resilience, and the beauty of imperfection. They encourage us to live fully in the present, embrace change, and find meaning through everyday experiences, much like her own journey as a writer and teacher. Overall, her words inspire a gentle yet profound approach to existence. What resonates with you? Share your favorite quote or personal reflections in the comments below.