“You your best thing.”
Toni Morrison – Beloved
Four simple words, but a power sentiment when you break it down.
In case you’re not familiar with Toni Morrison’s works, Beloved is about a former slave named Sethe who is literally and emotionally haunted by memories of the daughter that she decided would be better off dead than taken into slavery to experience the same horrors she escaped. Years later, a mysterious young woman who calls herself Beloved shows up at her door, who Sethe believes is her daughter reincarnated.
Heads up! Spoilers ahead if you haven’t read this captivating novel.
The book ends with Beloved disappearing after the neighborhood takes a stand to save Sethe from herself. Paul D comes to the home to find Sethe in bed, depressed and distraught over losing Beloved. She tells him that Beloved was her best thing. Paul D dismisses that statement and let her know “You your best thing, Sethe. You are.”
Novel-wise, this is one of the most significant lines to be spoken. Sethe’s wrapped up her identity in her children. However, at the book’s conclusion, all the children have left the house. Her sons ran away, Denver found her independence, and Beloved has vanished. With those four simple words, Sethe realized she doesn’t have to be defined by her trauma. She deserves love and forgiveness, but she needs to offer herself the grace to accept it. Life transcends being a former slave and mother. Those four brief words empowered Sethe to live for herself from this point forward.
This quote can also apply to our everyday lives. It serves as a reminder that it is okay to prioritize ourselves, to take care of ourselves, and to love ourselves so that we can continue being our own best things. It’s great to find love and bliss with our friends and family, but it is imperative to create our own happiness. Because once that relationship ends, whether by circumstances, choice, or force, you’ll only have yourself at the end of the day.
Today, this quote holds more relevance to me. At this turning point in my life, I must strive to truly be myself. To know myself. To value myself for who I am and who I can become. We all should.
What’s one of your favorite quotes? Please share in the comments where/who it’s from and why it’s memorable for you.
Minor Inkrements 