Eat.Pray.Love..Hate?
So everyone is talking about the movie.
Just like they did the book.
I must have been the last person on the planet to read the book. My coach was shocked and actually offered to buy it for me. She loved it that much.
I enjoyed it as well and moved before I finished it. It’s in a box somewhere. And of course, the end has been spoiled for me.
I hadn’t given much thought to a movie version. Wasn’t that invested.
But I doubt I’ll be seeing this one.
Why?
I would have preferred a thousand other actresses over Julia Roberts.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t dislike her. In fact, I’d call myself a fan.
But since many of us had never even heard of Elizabeth Gilbert before her best-selling book, I think Hollywood could have taken a gamble on a lesser known actress.
But that’s not the point of this post.
I had something else planned today, but just had to write about the shit I’ve been seeing since the movie debuted.
Women on many blogs dissin’ Ms. Gilbert as “wallowing in self-pity” and being overly “self-indulgent.” The haters go on to say how nice it would be if we all could get paid to run away for year and find ourselves.
Yes, actually it would be nice.
And just because you couldn’t, why do we feel the need to hate on her because she could?
Another blogger called it an exercise in “escapism” and a commenter wrote that she had more respect for women who stayed and faced their shit while trying to live a normal life than for Gilbert who “ran away” and made out with the hot Brazilian man.
And my question is, why can’t we respect her for finding her own way in dealing with her pain?
It’s not your way.
And it’s not the way most of us get to work through our personal hell.
But why all the hate?
I thought she told a good story. I had those moments where it was difficult to put the book down because I wanted to know what happened next.
There’s a part in the book where she allows herself to get bitten by mosquitoes to break her habit of cutting out when the shit got too uncomfortable.
I’m sorry, haters, but that’s HELL to me.
Fuck that shit. I don’t need enlightenment that badly, even if someone else is paying for it.
Traveling to what I would consider a 3rd world country is not my idea of a vacation, much less an escape.
Good on Ms. Gilbert for trying it on.
And finding her way back.
And sharing what she learned.
How ’bout you do the same?
Let’s stop bitching about how we couldn’t do it her way and find our own ways out of hell and then….
(wait for it)
Tell your own goddamn story.
Personally, I’d love to hear it.
And I for one, will be cheering you on.
Because even though you may not get to go to Italy, India and Bali to figure it all out, your version will be every bit as juicy.
Besides, someone really needs to hear it. You are their hope, their role model for finding the way out of the darkness.
So stop hating and get to it.
Your invitation, should you choose to accept it: Tell YOUR story. And let me tell mine. And maybe someday, we’ll be lucky enough to Eat, Pray & Love as friends.
photo credit: J Frasse
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Let’s Connect!
Omg, I love it. Seriously, I wasn't all into the book like some people but I saw it the same way you did. This was her story, this was her journey and she told it well. Don't be all jealous because she has that talent.
Thanks for stopping by, Sherrie! Blog needs a little sensuality.
Peggie turned me on to a more spiritual reflection of the feedback – it is simply a reflection of where people are in their lives. (www.dcdharma.com)
I've been in that kind of pain. So much that you hate on other people because they seem to have found an easier way out of theirs. And then one day I realized that hating on them wasn't making me feel better. So, I had to ask, "what would?" And this blog was born.
We all have our journey. As women, especially, I'd like us to get to the point where we celebrate each others.
So glad you are a part of my journey.
Lisa… love this post. I read the book when it first came out and certainly appreciated it for what it was: one woman's journey. But that journey was very different for me and it took me a lot longer than a year to discover my true self. I'm still discovering things. Nobody has an easy life and we all have issues we need to overcome. I think those that "bash" Ms. Gilbert are probably envious of the fact she was able to escape for a year. I would have done the same if I had the same bank account she had. Of course, my three countries would have been Italy, Greece and Israel.
My recent post The Drama of Wearing Pretty Clothes
Carolyn,
Italy, Greece & Israel, huh? Cool! Funny I had never actually given any thought to where I'd go. Hmm…I'll have to ponder that. THANKS!
I'm *still* discovering my true self as well. Peeling back the layers, removing the masks. And sometimes, it is still very painful. It's so nice to be able to share my journey with wonderful people, like you. Someone I didn't even know a few short weeks ago, yet now I'm going to school with your girls and experiencing the challenges and triumphs of a mom with 3 beautiful daughters.
My hope is that we can stop the hating and just share ourselves and celebrate one another.
Started the book; didn't finish it.
Julia Roberts…liked her in Mystic Pizza but I feel like she's the same character in most all of her movies.
Will probably wait until the movie gets to a Redbox so I can rent for $1.
I love reading about other people overcoming their obstacles and trying to figure out who they really are. But, for now, it is my turn and I just got to concentrate on me.
Yes, it is all about me.
My recent post Oh- Brother
HA! I think the same about Hugh Grant, but I can't seem to get enough of his movies.
I am thrilled to see you focusing on you and trusting that for now, it has to be that way. The book will always be there. And I, for one, will be waiting for the "free" version called TV.
(So glad you are blogging!!!!!!!!!)
Like you, I wasn't thrilled about seeing Julia Roberts cast as Liz Gilbert. But after watching the movie last night, I have to say Miss Roberts rose to the occasion. She showed a range of emotions and expressions I've never seen in all her years in film. Really well done. As was the entire movie. And for God's sakes, go just for Javier Bardem. Trust me on this.
As for the haters, well, jealousy rears its ugly head. Elizabeth Gilbert's writing is so good that if she wrote a book about being trapped in an elevator, it would probably become a bestseller, too. This is her personal journey, which she generously shared with us — warts, mosquitoes, fetal position weeping, and all. You're so right. Let's get out there and let Eat Pray Love serve as juicy inspiration to live courageously wherever we are… and have the guts to share it with the rest of us.
Kat darling!
You and my bff, Peggie, are quite persuasive. But here's where you got me – Javier Bardem. Don't know who he is but if he's hot AND adds something to the film, I give up. I'll go see it.
And its wonderful to hear Ms Roberts rose to the occasion. The story required depth I wasn't sure she was capable of. Cheers to her!
I really understand the pain one must be in to hate on Ms. Gilbert, but I know you can rise above it and live to tell about it. I am but one such example.
So where would your EPL journey take you, Kat? Me – Italy, Tibet & Peru.
Glad you stopped by to share (and persuade!
)
Italy, Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, Australia, Fiji, France, Ireland, Hawaii, Alaska.. Oh, I have to just pick 3?
BTW, I want a Javier Report after you see the movie. Man, oh man, oh man.
My recent post How I roll
You are too much!
You can have all the countries you want AND a Javier in every one of them if you so choose.
I have a wonderful friend in Lebanon. We've never met face-to-face but he's been an angel to me through the dark times. When you're ready to go, I'll introduce you.
And you, my dear, would be a hoot to see Italy with. Oh…the trouble we could get ourselves into….:)
I love this post. I enjoyed the book and am seeing the movie soon. We all can't take a year off and travel the world but I've done my fair share – and for me traveling is a way to discover new things about yourself, build stronger bonds with your traveling companions and people you meet along the way, and to also appreciate what you've left at home. I think a lot of people are jealous that they didn't have the opportunity to do what she did – and that's where all of the negativity comes from. We all deal and cope with things in different ways and I for one would LOVE to be able to do something like Liz did and write a book about it.
So glad you stopped by, Jocelyn. Welcome to Lisa-Unmasked!
How cool that you've done a lot of traveling. I bet you have lots of stories to share about your experiences and what you took away. May not have been a full-blown year, but you are a different person from each journey and a travel lover (yet chicken) like me would love to hear more about them.
If you could create your own EPL experience, where would you go?
Thanks for taking the time to stop by & share! Please come back often.
Hey Lisa! LOVE what you are saying. Love. The takeaway from all the bitching is….People are talking! She really touched off a lot of feelings with that book. I thought it was irritating at the end. But. I just finished a book as well. I'm wondering if it's self indulgent crap. In my wildest dreams …well- my dreams don't get as big as EPL. Elizabeth is inspirational for MOVING FORWARD. For writing a BOOK. For putting it out there for everyone to voice their opinion all over it. I say she rocks.
Megan darling!
It has generated a LOT of talk, hasn't it? Guess that helps book & tix sales.
Yay for you in finishing your book!! Taking the time to write anything down (when you could be watching TV, hanging out with friends, pole-dancing) IS self-indulgent. And there is nothing wrong with it. Nothing wrong with believing that you have something to say and share. Then actually sharing it. You inspire me. Truly. You are incredibly multi-talented.
And I believe your dreams ARE as big as Ms. Gilbert's. Or you wouldn't have spent the time & money to rock with Danielle. You have put yourself "out there" with "I Dance I Write" for everyone to voice an opinion.
And for that, I say, YOU rock!
And I am coming back to NYC for your book signing!
Mwah!
And, Miss Jet-Setter–where would YOU go on your own EPL experience?
I have not read the book yet… and will not watch the movie until I read the book… so I don't know what all she did… but I'm more interested now!
Great post girl! 
My recent post Summer fun
Shelley,
So @katjaib says its worth seeing the movie just for the hot guy.
But do, get the book. It'll be a good read after the little guy starts kindergarten. (oh, my!)
Glad you enjoyed the post. Always great to "see" you. How's Fab Formula going for you?
Forgot to ask you Shelley, where would YOU go on your own EPL experience?
Lisa, I love this post too! You are so dead-on about the "Haters" – enough already with the complaining and obvious envy. Yes, Elizabeth Gilbert was extremely fortunate to be able to do what she did and it was the "right" thing for her to do as she worked through her feelings and changes in her life. I bet there are a few haters out there that even if they had the opportunity to do what Ms. Gilbert did – they wouldn't be able to handle it or to make it happen for themselves. Not everyone can pick up their life and head out alone for a year or move to a new location without knowing anyone.
Hey there, Susan!
Glad you stopped by! I understand the hate/envy thing. But like you said, to head out alone for a year without knowing anyone? She deserves props for that! #justsayin
So, where would Susan go if she had the opportunity to create her own EPL experience? Inquiring minds want to know.
Haven't read the book.
Haven't seen the movie
I'm such a loser.
But I like your thoughts here – get off my shit, go live your own kinda thing.
Love it!
You are so NOT a loser!!
It was a good read but I'm not sure that even a sensitive soul like you would enjoy it. Hate to say it's a "girl" thing, but…..
Took me a long time to stop hatin' on other people's journeys. Hope I can spare others the trouble. Like you said, "live your own kinda thing"!
Peace….
THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!! Lisa! I love how you handle the haters.
For me, I put the book down 3/4 way through … I was too close to the on the floor bathroom moment and was overwhelmed by Elizabeth's story. couldn't face what I was going through. I didn't hate the story. I loved it. Didn't hate her. Just couldn't wrap my head and heart around it at the time as it was too painful and I thought, no when in hell can I get out of this messy shit. I do want to see the movie … as a "me date" to see if I feel any differently. Let's call it my own self-imposed social experiment.
Thankfully, my eat, love, pray moments occurred in NYC, Venice, Greece and are occurring on Twitter. The minute I opened myself up to receive the gifts of love and self discovery the universe had to offer, all you people showed up. Hellz Yeah, I'm so grateful and am noting all this down so I can pen my own Eat, Pray, Love story. It really is a work in progress.
Your sparkling fairy, BFF and mentor,
Lori
Lori – it's a joy to watch you live your truth.
Just thought I'd say that.
all the good stuff,
Frank
OMG … YOU'RE my fairy godmother, um, father!
thank you Frank! I so appreciate this. and there is so much more to come. Join me for the ride, please? At least sit next to me in the front car hands in the air.
Yeah, baby!
Venice here we come!
That bathroom moment was difficult for me too. Although not for the same reasons. I remember thinking, "how come Godde never gives ME any answers?" So if I "hated" on her, that was the moment.
I may go see it now as an artist date. I like the idea of going alone.
It is so amazing to me to watch you powerfully emerge into your own EPL moments. Receiving love and sharing the gift of your open heart. I am in awe, dear fairy, BFF & mentor goddess.:)
Here's to our shared EPL moments, Lori! #loveyou
What a GREAT true comment ! I know exactly that bathroom floor feeling and lucky for me was about a month or two out from there when the book came out — so i was moving – -trying to find me instead of being in the moment. but whoa yea, I get it!
My recent post Callouses- Scars & Freckles – Oh My!
I loved the book and made my hubby hang with the little one Saturday so I could have some peace and quiet to go see the movie.
I loved it. I love Julia and by the end of the movie I forgot it was her ~ she actually LOOKED like Elizabeth by the end.
I think the hating is about the fact that she DID something. She didn't just sit around and wallow in self pity ~ she took action. She decided what would work for her and then DID it. So many people are just so happy to sit around and piss and moan about how crappy everything is ~ it makes them look at themselves when they see people taking action to change their situation. That kind of looking is hard, and it's much easier to just attack the person instead. Best defense… and all that.
Just wanted to thank Frank for tweeting this post, I really enjoyed it and conversation that ensued.
My recent post Who Said You Have to Work 5 Days a Week
Hey Jackie!
You tell it, sistah!
Boy, you hit ME right between the eyes. When I find myself in hater mode, that's probably the reason – they are doing something about their situation and I'm not. Thank for making THAT clear.
You are the 2nd person today that said Julia began to look like Elizabeth. Hmmm…that's really interesting.
A big shout out to hubby for taking care of the little one so you could have some "me" time. And a big HIGH FIVE to you, for taking "me" time!!!!
I am glad Frank RT the post AND that you enjoyed it. Really appreciate you sharing your thoughts, Jackie. Come back any time.
PS. For those who want to do a whole Eat Pray Love thing while home and in the middle of life I highly recommend the book "The Happiness Project", that's exactly what she did.
My recent post Who Said You Have to Work 5 Days a Week
This one has been on my list. It's Gretchen Rubin, yes? I'll have to get it. I never heard anyone frame it like that – An EPL experience right at home. Cool.
Love this post! Your critique, honesty and humor are refreshing!
I’ll be back for more! xoxo E
Welcome, Elioza!
So glad you took the time to stop by and leave a comment. And glad you liked the post.
But we rules at Lisa-Unmasked. I worked years to create a reputation that did NOT include a sense of humor. So don't go telling anybody I'm funny.
Come back anytime, E. Am grateful we've connected.
Welcome to the Lisa-Unmasked family, E! So glad you took time to stop and share. And that you like what you see.
Now, we have rules here.
I have worked for years to create a reputation where people believe that I do NOT have a sense of humor. So, don't go telling anyone that I'm funny! 
Looking forward to connecting with you at your blog as well.
You are not the last person on the planet to read the book – apparently Shelly, Frank, and I are competing for that title. But I love that you called the haters out! Seriously, how silly. You always cut straight to the core of things Lisa – brilliant as usual. Thanks!!
Wish we could go see the movie together. Miss you lots!
Yeah..that's me. Cut the crap. Get to the point. Funny that as a storyteller, I have no tolerance for fluff or bullshit.
#loveyou
Totally agree with you!I If that worked for her, that's great, but her solution would never work for me. Maybe that's why the movie doesn't appeal to me, I don't know. Great post! ~~Jeanine
My recent post The Lies We Believe with All Our Hearts
Hey Jeanine!
Thanks for weighing in on the EPL saga.
Her solution was indeed, unique. I am not sure I would have thought about something like that, but the story is fascinating in what she discovers about herself and life. I am also interested in how people get closer to their truth, whether by travel, meditation, writing, or becoming an adrenaline junkie. I guess I'm just a sucker for a good story. Period.
So glad you checked in and THANKS again for my Native American Astrology report! (Peeps–you must check it out!)
A hearty AMEN, Lisa! For some reason, I'm always surprised by the detractors who emerge when some lone person out of a thousand can find her authentic way to cope, deal, & heal. The first real step to becoming more enlightened (and shouldn't that be our goal?) is to stop judging the ways and means of others. If we do that, then we can move on to the next step: stop judging ourselves. Only then does the door to liberation crack open, and only then are we ready to walk through it.
Julie, Julie! A big hug & kiss to you, Angel!!
I don't think I understood enlightenment when I was a *hater*. That was for people who went off and sat on a rock and had no contact with the real world.
But when I saw the quote about finding peace in the midst of chaos, I knew THAT was what I wanted. And I couldn't experience anything remotely close to that feeling as long as I was making other people wrong for their journeys.
And you are right, once I became more conscious of my judgments of others, I became more aware that they were reflections of the judgments I had of myself. And then, all hell broke loose.
It all starts with awareness, doesn't it?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Holy crapola — look at the fury – I'm mean FLURRY here — this is the sign of a GREAT storyteller and both you and Liz are!
Totally agree with what you have to share here and yes, you inspired me to chime in tooo — tomorrow. on the blog.
My recent post Callouses- Scars & Freckles – Oh My!
I know! Aren't the peeps AMAZING????
I can't wait to read your take on it, since you've actually *seen* the movie.
And…Miss Peggie, I LOVE YOU! Thanks for your support in getting this post live.
oh, and good on ya frank for coming to play with the ladies
You are officially the first guy I've seen chime in on the whole EPL ruckus!
My recent post Callouses- Scars & Freckles – Oh My!
Frank rocks!
WORD!
Thanks, Tex. Enuf said.
Tell those haters to kiss your (bleep!)
#loveyou
Read the book. Did not see the movie. Amen to all you've said here. There's no hating from me. After all, everyone can't be everyone's cup of tea. We all have stories and how we choose to share should be applauded, lauded…not envied.
Elizabeth Gilbert sat down and WROTE. That's what we should be doing. Her success does not, in any way, diminish or prevent success for any of us who seek it.
My recent post Full Circle
Welcome, Marisa. Thanks for stopping by and sharing. Your blog is beautiful.
Kudos to YOU for sitting down and WRITING. For sharing YOUR stories. We are all better for it. Of this, I am sure.
Hope you'll come back often.
Very powerful post Lisa! I have not read the book yet (or seen the movie), although I've been itching to do so. After reading your post, I really have to get it now. =)
From what I gathered it's about a middle aged woman who's gotten "lost" and trying to find herself again. I think it's natural for all us to get lost at times and we all have our own way of expression on how we find ourselves again. To each his or her own.
Who are we to judge how someone chooses to express themselves. Everyone must find their own path, even if its the path less traveled (or in this case less ordinary).
I hope to one day tell MY story and I hope for it to be a life full of passion, love, adventure and courage. I know yours will. =)
Thanks for sharing!
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The book is a great read, Michele, and my friends and readers have continually said to me, "See the movie!"
I think we'd be bored if everyone's path looked the same. No one's journey is "ordinary", no matter how hard they try to make it so.
I don't think you have to worry about your story being full of passion, love, adventure and courage. As an entrepreneur, you are living those qualities every day and I for one, am better because of it!
Well,, tell the truth now, why don't you, Lisa! Saw the movie and the book. everybody got their story, it's called life. RIGHT ON!
Hey Ametia! Been on an unplanned blogcation and just saw your comment. Welcome to Lisa-Unmasked!!
I still have not dragged my sorry ass out to see the movie but I will.
In the meantime, I have started a new chapter in my own life. And I'll be sharing…:)
couldn't agree more! people need to stop hating n open they're heart to the message! a message of great love and finding one's self!