Finding Silver Linings On The Dark Days

The sky was dark this morning. Overcast, miserable, wet and windy. Not the best way to start any day.

To make matters worse, after several very busy days with readings, I had one of those rare “goose egg” days. Not a single client called me all day!

Halfway through my shift, I realized that my mind was starting to brew up all kinds of negative thoughts. Idle hands are indeed the devil’s workshop. Fortunately, I was able to nip it in the bud by the end of my shift. The last thing I needed in this miserable weather was to plunge myself into a pity party.

Instead, I gently coaxed myself back into a state of calm, centered inner peace and gratitude. After all, I have a lot to be thankful for in my life!

I also had to remind myself that I no longer have all my eggs in one basket. I have learned the hard way over the past few years to diversify my income, and I also have a nest egg in the bank for a rainy day.

Those of us who have been on a long and challenging journey to a better life realize that having a totally negative day is sometimes a necessary part of the process of self-improvement and greater fulfillment. If things were always easy and perfect, we would have no motivation to strive for anything better.

So, the point is not to never have a bad day or indulge in a little self-pity or negativity. What is important is that we recognize it when it happens and deal with it appropriately, sooner rather than later. Falling down is not the problem, it’s not getting back up that is not okay!

The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their troubles ~ William Penn

When negativity and toxic thoughts start to rain on your parade, pay attention and acknowledge it. You can even sit with the mess for a while. Yes, even have a quick pity party. But then release or transmute those bad vibes.

There are many ways to do this, but I find the quickest solution for me is to do a mental gratitude checklist. I simply focus on making a mental list of all the good things going on in my life today. I start with the simplest things, not the fancy stuff. Like the good cup of coffee I had this morning or the little bird I saw at my window.

Find the silver linings of abundance, even in the darkest clouds of negativity. They are always there. For example, today I had to remind myself how much beauty, creative power and divine benevolence there is in a stormy sky and a rainy day. Without dark clouds and showers, there would be no food on our tables.

Another way to beat the gloom is to spend quality time in nature or with your pets. It can be incredibly healing and empowering. And take deep breaths when you are outside, or open your windows if you cannot venture outside. Breathing is probably the oldest healing practice known to mankind. Purposeful, deep breathing fills the body with natural cleansing and complements the release of negative thought patterns.

In every difficult situation is potential value. Believe this, then begin looking for it ~ Norman Vincent Peale

I also find it very helpful to diffuse my favorite essential oils to put the finishing touches on the release of negativity. Evergreen oils such as spruce, pine, and balsam fir help to create a more prosperous mindset, while floral oils such as rose, jasmine, and ylang ylang help to open the heart chakra to manifest love in one’s life.

When the gloom really begins to lift, remember to also take the time to thank God, Source, Spirit, the Divine for all your gifts and blessings.