Written by Ben Wand
When I was wrapping up my book, Rocker’s Road, I found an amazing quote that seemed to sum up the theme:
Too many people miss the silver lining because they’re expecting gold.
Even though I wrote a book about what has since become one of the greatest adventures of my life, there’s so much to learn about an experience like that.
Especially as time goes on.
In those days I so often remember thinking how hard everything was. How hard I was working and how much I was struggling. How hungry and tired and sick I was.
I learned so much, like how a slice of dry toast could be used to wash down Southern California tap water (complete with floaties), and that adding water to ketchup is NOT the same as tomato soup.
But yes, there were days when I was on top of the world, and those were the days that kept me going.
Now, all these years later, I look back on that time and I wish I could go back and relive it, if only for the joy and fun of it.
Each time I face a struggle, I push through it and can’t help but think how hard it is. Then years or months later, I think about what I gained through that struggle. What I learned about life or what wisdom I gained. Even though I know it absolutely sucked at the time.
It’s funny how our perspective shifts.
It would be great to be able to think that way during the struggling times. That’s what I’m going through now, another long bout of unemployment, and the struggle is to keep a positive outlook even in these dark times.
There are people who are perpetually positive. I guess, maybe. I don’t know any. Maybe they’re like unicorns. I don’t think always being anything is healthy.
One of the down sides of our western materialistic fake culture is that everyone always seems happy. And a wise person needs to remember that that’s not reality.
Part of going through the struggles is to examine them and face the reality for what it is. And I’m not sure you can learn what you need to if you don’t feel the pain and hardship.
The ultimate is to appreciate the silver lining every single day. I think grattitude is the key to get there, but like with most things that are worth doing, it’s hard to do it.
But the beautiful thing is that I’ve found that if you just start doing it, you will get there.
Don’t miss the silver lining.
I’m grateful for this opportunity to blog for you.
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Ben Wand picked up the guitar at 14, and spent his teens and early 20s chasing a career in music. He performed in Oregon, Washington, California and Idaho with a variety of bands. At 23, he cut his hair and went to college. He attended Portland State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business, and graduated in the top 5% of his class.
He is married to the love of his life and they have two amazing boys. He lives in Portland, Oregon and pursues a variety of creative interests.
Follow his blog inventingbenwand.wordpress.com or on twitter @inventingbw
Email Ben benwand@gmail.com
