“I live by this credo: Have a little laugh at life and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter had always brought me out of unhappy situations. Even in your darkest moment, you usually can find something to laugh about if you try hard enough.” — Red Skelton, 1913-1997, Comedian
Good morning! We all have days that test our ability to remain upbeat and positive. We all have days where it seems every little thing is out to wear us down. Often these days come after several days or weeks of “up time,” where we are creating the life we desire.
Some people view these days as the world saying, “I told you so.” They use these days as an excuse to let their dreams and hopes go.
I think these days come for a different reason. I think these days are a great opportunity to improve ourselves. While I used to get down on these days too, I had to learn to treat them with the same respect that I did the “good days.” Surely, these days must have a purpose. When I approached these days with that attitude, I quickly uncovered their purpose.
These days don’t intend to bring a dark cloud to live at our doorstep. These days come to challenge us to see something new– to remember how to laugh– to remember what is good. These days ground us and challenge us to explore our core values for the simple and delightful daily rewards of life.
The path of life is never smooth. These “cloudy” days will come and go. We can’t hide from these days and “wait for a better one.” There simply isn’t enough time in life to waste a single day.
Your Turn: When a “cloudy day” comes your way, embrace it. Use it as a catalyst to find something to laugh about or someone to laugh with. Turn back to life’s simple joys– a child’s smile, a phone call, a serene walk. While what is going on externally can be sunny or cloudy, we control whether our reaction will be sunny or cloudy.
Today’s Affirmation: I use life’s stormy days to strengthen my umbrella.
Everyone always loves a sunny day, but think about how we take it for granted when we have one every day. A little rain now and then is needed for growth of living things and helps us appreciate the sun when it reappears.
Some of the most beautiful landscapes and vistas I have ever beheld were with the dark looming rainclouds over an otherwise barren dessert. The blue mountains and red buttes, coral sand, green sage, and all the colors were at there most vibrate hues.
And then that magical moment when the sun cuts through the dark silver clouds and illuminates the colors into a sight to behold indeed. Its so true, we need to seek to find the good things in every situation, every day, every trial. And acknowledge blessings, even on the hard days, because we all have them, and thus find joy and something to laugh about.