
I am glad I picked I picked up the most recent issue of Esquire today…one of the magazines I eventually want to write for. I came across a fantastic section of interviews…and was fortunate enough to find the quote above. I don’t think there has ever been a quote by someone else that has most accurately described what I have been going through the past three or so years. What many people do not know is that there is a significant story that will be told in the launch of the book that hasn’t been seen here. Back then, it was the farthest thing from what is being viewed by many during these present days. Very very dark days. But like Patinkin said, there is a urge to turn that darkness into light. Moreover, to bring light into the deepest caves of our lives and expose them for what they are.
So I closed the magazine after I read this…and just sat there in the plane thinking about this idea. I was given a little nugget of wisdom by a friend years ago that life must always be equal, and that when the sun comes up, it also must go down. I feel like many struggle with this idea and expect it to be sunny all the time. However, once you can start grasping onto the idea that there is a natural up and down of life…you can start looking deeper into how do we continue moving forward even during the dark times. We must learn to steer our ship by the stars. Because the stars are there for a reason. No matter how dark the night, the stars give you the ability to stay on course.
Just because things get dark does not mean that you have to stop what you are doing. Trust me, even during the past 6 months where I decided to go after a dream of publishing my first book, there were many ups and downs. There were chunks of time where I was incredibly lonely (the bi-product of sacrificing hang out time for working) and things got very very quiet. But, despite how much time I had to myself, I knew that I just had to keep going…and eventually I came out back into the light.
We never know how long the sun will stay up or how long it will stay down in our lives… But it will always perform this cycle.
Evan Sanders
The Better Man Project
This is very inspiring to all aspiring and struggling writers out there. Never lose your gaze on the light, for even if you are at the darkest zone, light will come through. Amen to that.
I love the passion you put into this blog! Awesome work extremely deep and meaningful thought! Keep it up!
I hope you get to see this… but I nominated you for an award ! (: – http://thebutterflyhatch.wordpress.com/2012/12/29/taking-arrogance-to-the-next-level/
Your post lead took me to another stream of thinking and reminded me of something I heard said once (and I paraphrase)…1) if we as people are called to BE light and salt of the earth and 2) light eradicates darkness every time, and 3) we see an surge of darkness in the world, maybe, just maybe, we as a people of light are not letting our lights SO shine and we need to get to living a “different, impactful, purpose-filled, not-playing-it-safe life.”
I enjoy reading your posts when I do read them! I wish you well.
Great points! I’m really enjoying your blog. It’s apparent that life is polishing you nicely! π
Great post Evan! So true about the ups and downs, dark and light. In the dark is when we have to make sure to keep shining our light. Keep writing and sharing!
WOW! This is pretty profound. I’m guilty of getting pissy when things aren’t going perfectly, but as you said, that’s just the cycle. What a great lesson.
Reblogged this on Jots & Thoughts and commented:
A man’s journey to becoming a better man, a better human being. We can all relate to that. He recites Mandy Pantinkin: βI believe thereβs a common ground in what all gifted writers write. It has to do with their wish to turn darkness into light.β Love that.
Great entry! I loved the quote from one of my favorite actors, and I love your attitude toward life. You’re right, life comes in cycles. The dark times hold good things for us, too, and we handle them better when we realize they aren’t permanent.
Thank you for liking my article, “What do you seek?” I hope it encouraged you on your journey.
Love the quotes you chose. Have gone out on my own to try a yoga business… And also using blogging as a medium to hammer out what I am compelled to share. Nice post:-)
Reblogged this on aurora morealist and commented:
This was so heartening… just what I needed to read – enjoy!
LOVE! And the quotes… just what I needed to read… reblogging now, such a nice share π Thank you.
Yes, looking forward to your book. And good timing for me for this post!! Thanks
Sunrise and sunset, natural and inescapable…and beautiful:-)
awesome post! my mind became much quieter once I embraced the ebb and flow of life. thanks for the follow π
Cheering you on Evan as your tale unfolds. I look forward to reading it π