Ruth Gordon: Unique Offerings

Interview with Ruth Gordon

Conducted by James Grissom

1984

It's not going to make you happy to realize that a lot of people are envious and mean, but it's going to make you ecstatic--should make you ecstatic--when you realize that what they think or do or become has nothing at all to do with you, your growth, your happiness.

I think the meanness in the world comes from fear, and a big fear comes from the belief in limitation: People really think there are only a certain number of good things allotted for us, and if you get one or the guy over there gets one, they start to fret and fume about another missed opportunity. They get mean. They point fingers. They start rumors. They destroy themselves.

The biggest limitations are the ones we place on ourselves, and opportunities rise up to meet the unique offerings of people. You think there were people thinking up things for me to do? Short lady with strong accent? Yeah, they were up to their necks in scripts! But I did my thing and I didn't care about the naysayers, and opportunities arrived. I didn't take anything away from anybody, because no one can take from you what is absolutely yours to have.

Work on yourself. Believe in yourself. Show up! Support others! The bounty of the world will open up for you.

©  2019   James Grissom