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About this quote

What does it mean?
Seeing others change while you stay the same is hard, but do not regret not loving or shining earlier out of fear.
In plain terms
It hurts to see change around you; don't blame yourself for holding back your love.
What can you take from it?
Do not regret your past caution; focus on loving and shining now.

Where it applies

  • aging
  • friendship
  • life transitions

Putting it to work

  • overcome fear
  • express love
  • accept change

Questions to consider

  • What stops you from shining?
  • Do you regret holding back?

Another view

Sometimes withholding love is wise if the risk is real.

More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge

  1. Bloom, O ye Amaranths! bloom for whom ye may, For me ye bloom not! Glide, rich streams, away! With lips unbrightened, wreathless brow, I stroll: And would you …

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  2. O wiselier then, from feeble yearnings freed, While, and on whom, thou may'st - shine on! nor heed Whether the object by reflected light Return thy radiance or…

    Permalink to quote #160
  3. All Nature seems at work. Slugs leave their lair - The bees are stirring - birds are on the wing - And WINTER slumbering in the open air, Wears on his smiling …

    Permalink to quote #157

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