Unless I drive to the nearby Greenway, I take my daily walks in my small neighborhood. Occasionally I lack the motivation to walk laps. It feels monotonous and I know I’m going to see the same scenery three times. On one particular day last week, however, that was not true.
I noticed the sky at a particular point on my first lap and gave thanks for the sun shining amidst fluffy white clouds. On the second lap, from the same spot, I was shocked to see that a massive wall of clouds had rolled in from the right. The puffy clouds were far to the left now and the sun was barely visible. I was bummed and figured that was the end of my sunny walk.
Everything was dull and gray for the rest of that lap and the first half of the next. As I approached the same place where the wall of clouds had loomed large, I was surprised again. They were now off to the left and more fluffy clouds were coming in from the right. I thought sure they were there to stay.
I’ve ever seen clouds shift so quickly. But today, with a specific reference point, it was easier to gauge their movement. To my delight, the sun did return for the duration of my walk.
What feels like forever never is. When troubles loom large and threaten to linger indefinitely, all I have to do is remember all the other times where that seemed to be the case, but eventually everything shifted. Even when I can’t detect movement, I can trust it’s happening slowly and steadily.
Journaling is a great way to establish reference points for life challenges. I try to journal daily but any frequency is better than none at all.
I challenge you to write about anything that is troubling you today. A week from today, read what you wrote and compare that to how you feel in that moment. Is it better, worse or the same? Jot it down. Look again in a week and see if anything has changed. Keep going.
Though “the clouds” in life may increase and decrease for a period of time, they WILL give way to blue skies and sun. 100% guaranteed. With enough time, your situation will resolve itself. You’ll enjoy sunny skies again and then the cycle will repeat.
As I look outside today, I see sunshine and blue sky for miles. Hooray! Another cycle is complete.
It’s easy to love life on the sunny days but our real character is forged in the shadows.
I am working diligently on cultivating my ability to trust, especially when all I can see are cloudy days ahead. The break I’m waiting for could come tomorrow and I don’t want to have wasted today waiting for it.
Let's remember to make the most of what today brings us, instead of just living for sunny days. Wherever you are in the cycle of life clouds, I hope you can remember, this too shall pass ... AND ... count all the other gifts that are true right now.
