This statement hangs on a wall in my home, and I love it.
To me, it's all about perspective. Some rich people are miserable. Some poor people are happy and content. The difference lies in their viewpoint.
Do we appreciate material things and successes more if they've been a long time coming? In my opinion, not that anyone's asking, is that yes, we appreciate hard-won successes more. Kind of like driving clunkers for many years, then affording a Mercedes. If a 16-year-0ld receives a Mercedes on the day their new license is printed, do they appreciate it as much?
As a writer, I'd love to have a book published NOW. If it doesn't happen right away, I'm cool with that. I'm just happy I have the skills, the desire, and the determination to write.
Rejection after rejection is a bummer. But dear author friends, we are in good company. Anita Nolan blogged about famous author rejections. Gone with the Wind rejected 38 times? Margaret Mitchell would have loved acceptance right away, to be sure. But imagine her excitement after 38 rejections. If she had given up...I shudder at the thought.
Those of you with published books, did it happen right away? Or did it take years, and you savored the victory even more? I'd love to hear your stories!