Charlie Chaplin once wrote, “You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re always looking down.” Although this photo shows Chaplin’s statement the opposite, this was taken from my perspective above Niagara Falls, and I saw a rainbow. I actually saw two rainbows in the spray of water. It was remarkable.
We’ve had a few days of clouds and considerable rain, causing flooding in some areas of the world, and, with the force of the sun scorching the earth in other areas, creating acres of damaging fires. I cannot imagine the devastation of homes, properties or lives resulting in these catastrophic events. If anything, the Covid-19 quarantine time has taught us to expect the unexpected, slow down and take a look at what is surrounding us, and to be thankful for moments that make us stronger and more intent on living life as fully as it was intended.
I am continually inspired by nature, but the rainbow never ceases to amaze me. Its colors always capture the imagination of a pot of gold at the ends of the rainbow. Imagine what it would be like without the rain and clouds and not see that brilliant rainbow. It shows up as one of nature’s greatest optical phenomenon. There always seems to be optimism and positivity when rainbows are present.
When we show up with a clouds over our head, it is usually because we have looked at life with a negative perspective. Our distorted perception can stop us from finding any happiness or successes in our lives. The only way to brighten our lives and get rid of that black cloud is to become aware of our thinking and then develop a pattern of positive thinking. If you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts:
Take a deep breath.
Try to visualize something that makes you happy or peaceful - it could be as simple as a ladybug or a blade of grass, or that precious smile from your child/grandchild.
Replace your negative thought with a positive one.
Say a positive affirmation.
Say, “I can,” rather than, “I can’t.”
“When you look at the world, the world isn’t just one palette. It’s a beautiful rainbow, and why not have someone to represent that rainbow?” - Joan Smalls
Who’s with me on this? I choose to be the rainbow. I choose as much positivity as I can muster. I choose to love, and support, and remember that every negative is temporary until we choose it to become a positive. Only WE choose. No one else chooses for us.