Finding Sunshine in the Mess
I shared this photo for the first time three years ago today during my 365 Project Sunshine on Instagram… the caption read:
Taking a page out of @thehonestboss book today... I'm literally "Embracing the Mess" somedays don't go as planned, sometimes yucky things happen and some plans fall through ... instead of getting upset, I made a decision to embrace the mess, and I ended up having a great day and had a conversation that was really special and meaningful with a new friend #yellow2017 #day241 #projectsunshine
The very next day, August 30, 2017, we adopted our furbaby Hurley, who has brought us so much sunshine every day.
Fast forward three years to today, I was chatting with a friend while we walked our dogs (well actually they walked us). Don’t worry, we both socially distanced and wore masks. We were both on the verge of tears and feeling like life had turned into a messy and sucky cyclone.
Then I realized that even though every day seems to bring a new challenge or tragedy (either personally, in the world, or both), there are sparks of joy throughout. I shared with my friend a couple of sunshine moments from today, and then she shared something great that had happened to her. We spent the rest of the walk reliving those moments and embracing the sunshine.
Our lives are more challenging than ever right now. Living in a bubble is not a viable solution. So how can we not lose ourselves in the mess, in the tragedy, in the pain?
Call a friend and share something good that happened to you today—even if it’s something small. The conversation with my friend today reminded me sharing goodness makes positivity grow and bloom.
Open yourself up to new and different experiences. Today I watched a YouTube live youth musical theatre revue, and it reminded me of the fun I had in college as a music major.
Remind yourself that it’s okay to cry, and it’s also okay to dance while we embrace the mess. A couple of days ago, I was in a bad place, and I clicked on a Spotify playlist from Yellow Co.'s virtual conference and couldn’t help dancing. The mess was still there, but mentally and spiritually I had found a way through.
Break the cycle by doing something you love. I love doodling with paint, so yesterday, I got some yellow paint out and just played for 30 minutes. I’m still reliving the peace I felt during that half hour.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments what good things have happened to you today… let’s find the sunshine…
