This or something better ...

As spectators of others’ lives we only see the surface details.

We may think that someone is lucky, or that they had it easy.  I think that’s rarely the case.  Perhaps we choose to believe those things because we don’t have the same faith, or work ethic, or courage, or fine-tuned vision for our own lives. 

I finished reading Dave Grohl’s book “The Storyteller” last night and I was spellbound.  I found myself laughing aloud shaking my head in disbelief at his stories, and reading excerpts from the book annoyingly to my husband because I wanted to share some of the magic with him.

I like autobiographies because I love reading the stories of people’s lives.  I’ve read many good ones, and this is one of my favorites.  I think it’s because Dave is relatable in many ways, but also so inspiring.  Dave speaks fondly of his childhood, his relationship with his mom, how he discovered his love of music, and his loyalty and devotion to wife, daughters, and friends.  And, he still lives his life with such gratitude and disbelief at times for his good fortune. 

I was inspired by his faith to leave home at such a young age, his strong work ethic to work on his craft and create great music, and his reverence and respect of his musical idols, many of which he met and collaborated with throughout his life. 

What I think I really love is that he’s lived a full life. Dave imagined at a young age himself living the life he lives and playing music that he loves, but he was also open to living an even bigger and more beautiful life. And, he got that wish.  Every idol he met, every collaboration he got to work on, every challenge or setback, he met with gratitude. He said “yes” to adventures and opportunities that scared him.  As a reward the Universe met his wish with something bigger, better, and beyond his wildest expectations.

As spectators or observers of others’ lives we only see the surface details.  We may think that someone is lucky, or that they had it easy.  I think that’s rarely the case.  Perhaps we choose to believe those things because we don’t have the same faith, or work ethic, or courage, or fine-tuned vision for our own lives. 

After I finished “The Storyteller” last evening, I couldn’t go to sleep. I pulled out my journal from 1994 when I graduated college and back-packed throughout Europe. I read my words and laughed and cried at my own adventures as a young adult.  I woke up ready to re-examine the dreams I had that are still unfulfilled and re-commit to them.  “This or something better.” Thank you, Dave.