It’s hard to hold the hand of anyone who is reaching for the sky just to surrender
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The phrase "It's hard to hold the hand of anyone who is reaching for the sky just to surrender" captures a profound truth about human ambition and resilience. This expression poignantly illustrates the challenge of supporting someone whose lofty aspirations seem to end in disappointment or resignation. It reflects the emotional difficulty in maintaining a connection with someone who, despite their initial determination and high hopes, ultimately gives up.
Imagine someone climbing a mountain with the most fervent belief that they will reach the summit. Their eyes are fixed on the sky, their spirit driven by the anticipation of the view from the peak. They’ve endured grueling conditions and overcome countless obstacles, their resolve unwavering as they ascend. But then, unexpectedly, they turn back. The climb, once fueled by dreams and ambition, ends in surrender.
In this scenario, holding their hand during their ascent was straightforward, almost exhilarating. You were there, cheering them on, sharing in their dreams and struggles. But when they decide to give up, the dynamic shifts. Their surrender doesn’t just impact them; it affects everyone around them. The people who were once there to support and encourage them are now faced with the emotional weight of their retreat. They grapple with the frustration of seeing someone let go of their dreams, despite the effort invested in reaching them.
This metaphor extends beyond the literal climb and can be applied to various aspects of life—career ambitions, personal goals, relationships, and more. When someone sets their sights on an ambitious goal, their journey is often filled with hope and enthusiasm. Those who stand by their side, supporting them through every challenge, become emotionally invested in their success. However, when the dreamer ultimately chooses to surrender, the supporters are left grappling with a mix of disappointment and helplessness.
The difficulty in maintaining support when someone surrenders is rooted in the emotional investment that accompanies the journey. It's not just about the physical act of holding hands but about the emotional tether that binds supporters to the dreamer. When the dreamer gives up, it’s as if they’ve unhooked that tether, leaving the supporters with a sense of disconnection and loss. The dreams that were once shared now seem distant and unattainable, and the journey that was supposed to be a triumphant ascent ends in a quiet, somber retreat.
This struggle is particularly poignant when we consider the effort and dedication involved in supporting someone with grand ambitions. The journey is not only about the destination but also about the shared experiences and the emotional highs and lows. When the dreamer surrenders, the emotional aftermath can be as challenging as the journey itself. The supporters are left to navigate the disillusionment and reassess their own roles and emotions in the wake of the surrender.
In essence, this expression highlights the complex interplay between ambition, support, and surrender. It underscores the emotional difficulty of maintaining a supportive role when someone’s dreams collapse, despite the best efforts and intentions. The phrase serves as a reminder of the deep emotional connections that underpin our support for others and the impact that surrendering one’s dreams can have on those who stand by them.
Who said the quote?
The quote "It's hard to hold the hand of anyone who is reaching for the sky just to surrender" is often attributed to Leonard Cohen (Quotes). Leonard Cohen was a revered singer-songwriter known for his soulful and introspective music.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
