Some days are just gloomy!
Don’t Forget - The Sun is shining above the clouds!
On a recent visit to my family in Maine, I was sitting by the window on the airplane. Watching the big white puffy, then dark & gloomy clouds float by. The most inspiring thing was that above all of the clouds - the Sun Was Shining Brightly!
The stunning view from above the clouds was obvious, as I opened the window shade and really looked. I could see that the current state of clouds & brewing storms may be temporary. The wind was moving them along, and it wouldn’t last too long.
Being in the clouds seemed more magical for me this trip. I haven’t flown in a long time, and I felt like a kid again. Enjoying the sunshine as it brought hope and the brightness of good things to come. The expanse of it all gave me the feeling that brighter days are coming. And that beyond my momentary troubles - there is so much more!!
Lately moments like this take my breath away. Slowing down to notice nature is more valuable to me these days. The majestic view of the clouds below and the bright sunshine above - filled me with awe and gratitude to be alive. It was another opportunity to experience a spectacular view as a frozen, special moment in time. And it brought in an easy peace to my heart, and a simple joy in the moment.
I was filled with the sense that just as an airplane rises above the clouds, I too can rise above the struggles in my days!
At 50,000 feet up - the clouds look temporary, the sun is still way up there - showering its light down, as bright as ever! The Storms & Clouds will pass. The big puffy clouds will roll on by. And the beautiful landscape will be clear again. And from where I stand, I will experience the warmth and light of the sunshine, even after a terrible storm passes.
I felt such AWE - I came away with some thoughts I pondered & journaled on, after this experience. Thought I’d share some with you . . .
🌦️ Why do the storms of life feel so big, so overwhelming & all encompassing?
- Why can’t I remember, while living through the experience, that the clouds will pass?
- When I’m in the middle of a stormy hard time, it seems to be so all encompassing. Like it’ll always be this hard.
- The sun comes out again and clears the view!
This is Faith; being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see!!
💙 What if the storms come so that I get to test what I know??
- To prove to me that my inner growth and experienced wisdom is real, and to feel the joy of knowing that.
- So instead of being tossed around - I can take stock & notice that I’m strong enough just as I am, to make it through this situation!
💛 What if the storms come so that I can practice finding the light, even when it’s hidden behind the clouds?
- Because learning to still myself, and finding my center and the light that lives in me - has been one of the biggest & best life lessons I’ve learned.
- To Be Myself! To stand up for what I really believe - and BE ME!
💜 What if there were no storms, and it was only sunny days and good times every single day?
- Who would I be?
- Would I have learned all that I have?
- Would I appreciate the relationships and experiences that I’ve been lucky enough to have, and grown into?
- The lows and the highs of my life have crafted me into who I am.
💚 Can I more easily roll from a stormy day to a beautiful sunny day with ease?
- Without taking all the doom & gloom with me from the storms, into my sunny days?
- I have carried many gloomy emotions and experiences into the next sunny days - totally missing that the sun was out & it’s a new day! This lesson has helped me to find joy in my moments.
- A Gratitude Rant when I’m stuck in the gloomy days - forces myself to find all of the blessings I’m grateful for in my life. I say out loud - ‘I’m grateful for’…. And then stating as many people, experiences and things as I can think of, that I’m blessed to have in my life. Usually beginning with my husband, kids and grandkids 😃
Isn’t it fun to take thoughts like these and roll them around in your mind?
Maybe journal about them, and come to some new conclusions? It may brighten your way of thinking beyond the ideas we’ve always thought, and see what else might pop up!
Being curious helps me stay young in my thinking & my heart! Today is the present & it’s my gift - so I’ll jump all in and enjoy it!
Spending too much time - dissecting why the clouds are dark, how long will it last, what we did to cause this… simply adds more time to indecision, and actually moving beyond it.
Cloudy days - bring us a chance to rest, recover, rebuild, have respite from the heat of the sun, and are not here every single day, all day long, forever! They will pass. So we might as well enjoy the gift of the clouds when they come!
A question to ponder ...
Today can you look for the sunshine trying to reach you beyond the clouds and storms in your life? If it’s hard to do that- what might help you?
I’m curious - did this newsletter inspire you today?
HIT REPLY & Tell me if this hit the spot today - I would love to hear from you 💜
We stand even on the cloudy days!
Gina