If you’re lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.

Today, John Irving is one of the world’s most popular and respected writers of fiction, known for his colorful and eccentric characters, humorous voice, and imaginative plots. But like many writers, he had his struggles. His first three novels attracted reasonably positive reviews but failed to gain large readerships, and he found himself unable to fulfill his dream of making a living purely from writing fiction. Nonetheless, Irving continued to pursue his passion. His fourth novel, “The World According to Garp,” was a massive hit, selling millions of copies and remaining on bestseller lists for years. “Garp” is one of several Irving novels that have been adapted for film, along with “The Hotel New Hampshire,” “The Cider House Rules,” “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” and “A Widow for One Year.” This quote from “A Prayer for Owen Meany” reminds us that while deciding how we want to live our lives is a great first step, we also have to find the strength within us to make that ideal life a reality.