Finding the silver lining in an otherwise shitty situation

Let’s face it: it’s easy to get caught up in and stew over all the things that have gone wrong in a day.

You know that person that cut you off in traffic, the extra slow driver in the left lane (I mean move over already), something someone said, and any of those times where you feel as though you’ve messed up, said the wrong thing, didn’t respond the right way, or any could’ve, would’ve, or should’ve situation.

There are plenty of opportunities to find the dark cloud within the silver lining.

What I’m wondering is what will happen if we start to look for or focus on the silver lining moments?

Those times, it all goes right…well, mostly. Like you stumble, but instead of falling to the ground, you catch your balance…and no one sees a thing.

Or maybe you were certain you were going to be late again, and you were right, but it ended up being okay. Yes, those are both my own experiences, and I have many more.

If we look for them, there are just as many opportunities to see what’s happening in your favor. Don’t believe me. Ok. Try this experiment or think back to a time when you bought or wanted a new-to-you car. You're super excited about this new car. Whether you realize it or not, you’re thinking about it…a lot.

Seemingly overnight you see “your car” everywhere. You’ve never noticed how many people drive your exact same car. How is this even possible?

It’s possible because you’ve been thinking a lot about your car. It’s new, and it’s on your mind. It’s safe to say this is what you’re focused on. We tend to see more of what we’re focused on.

Focused on how it’s all going wrong for you…yep, you’ll see more of that. Focused on what’s going right… You get it; you’ll have more of these experiences.

This isn’t an invitation to pretend like the bad stuff doesn’t happen.

I’m not asking you to go all rainbows and unicorns on me, throwing caution to the wind, and denying that crappy stuff happens. Shit happens, and it’s ok to feel angry, or sad, or however you’re feeling about the situation.

I challenge you to notice what you’re noticing and pay attention to what you’re focused on. This is an opportunity to mix it up. Try to notice when things are working in your favor, no matter how insignificant they may seem, and take a mental note. Think of it as I Spy for adults.

What will you spy? How is life working in your favor today?

I provide therapy services for stressed-out and overwhelmed people who mostly have their shit together and tend to overthink or give until exhausted.

There’s a tendency to place other people’s needs ahead of their own, limit themselves due to the fear of being judged or criticized, and in the process have lost the connection to themselves. Sound like someone you know…maybe you?

Are you ready to live confidently and authentically? I can help. I invite you to reach out and schedule a 20-minute free consultation. I can be reached by phone at 843-592-3998, by email at sheila@heart-mind-soul.com, or through the contact form on my website at https://www.heart-mind-soul.com.