Look For The Silver Lining

I think it’s important that whatever we do and whatever problems or obstacles we may encounter we must always endeavor to look for the silver lining.  Take touring, for example.  While there are difficulties in being on the road, it also affords me the opportunity to see friends and family who are spread out across the country.  I recently had the chance to see my sister and her husband while we were in Anderson, Indiana and was able to spend a few days with them while waiting to head on over for our show tonight here in Terre Haute.  It was so wonderful just to be there and spend time at their home, sharing meals and laughter.  The love they have for one another is a blessing not only to them, but to those who come in contact with them, as well.

Growing up in a family with five other siblings, you tend to take for granted that they’ll always be there.  In fact, I remember often thinking how great it would be just to have a little space away from them.  It certainly wasn’t a question of not loving them, but, as on the road, a little togetherness can often go a long, long way.  Now, however, I look forward to any chance that comes along to see them.  I’m sure it has a lot to do with getting older, but I hope that anyone reading this takes to heart this little piece of advice:  Cherish the time you have with loved ones, make the most of it.   They will not always be there and opportunities missed are seldom regained.

Too often in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives we forget about the connections we’ve made along our journey through life.  I know myself that there have been friends made and over the course of time I’ve lost touch with them.  It’s a bit sad, but I also look at the silver lining of what I have gained from each one.  Every contact you make with another person gives you the chance to be enriched and to enrich others.  We are, or as I’m often reminded, should be always striving to grow as individuals and as a society.  Look for ways to improve not only your own life but ways to bring some happiness to others, which really is just another way to improve your own.  As I’ve stated in an earlier blog, that’s why I enjoy making music.

It may be odd to those who know me to read this as I am not the most optimistic person in the world.  I generally see the difficulties ahead and let them deter me from taking risks.  Change is hard, but I do keep trying.  It’s far too easy today to be distracted by all the news of a more or less depressing nature, and I am by no means suggesting to ignore the realities of life, but only to look for the silver lining wherever you may find it.   Know that every day the sun will rise.  Even if the clouds are in the way, it’s up there somewhere.

Terrence Niska