Sun Spot Sightings
Yesterday was a bad day. That's how I went to bed remembering it, anyway. Mulling over its badness, I realized yesterday was really only bad in spots. Because those "spots" had come toward the end of the day, they eclipsed all the good that came before them.
My next thought surprised and challenged me. I was only able to experience those bad moments because I'm alive. The amazing gift of life makes those bad places possible. However bad they are, they can't compare to the greatness of being alive. Because alive holds countless possibilities.
Then I was reminded of how fragile life can be. A high school friend was recently told by medical experts that her possibilities are coming to an end. In mid-September, at the age of 44, she was told she has 6-9 months to live. Now my friend, her husband, and their four-year-old daughter are coming to terms with what life holds.
My "spots" suddenly don't seem so bad. "Bad" really is all in the perspective.
Are you focusing on the frustrating moments? Or are you embracing the wonderful gift of life that makes those challenging moments possible?
As your day comes to a close, think back through your day - hour by hour. As you look at each hour, try to remember your day's Sun Spots: those positive occurrences that brighten your world. If this mental process is too overwhelming at the end of a long day, try keeping a small notepad with you and jotting down Sun Spots as they happen; these are your Sun Spot Sightings.
Start small. Your Sun Spots don't have to be retina-searing bright, just little things that made you smile. If you are in a difficult place, set the bar low - just try to remember a few moments that didn't make you frown!
At the end of the day, do a mental review or look over your written Sun Spot Sightings. Focus on the good your day brought and try to keep your mind fixed there. End your day on a positive note.
You can allow dark spots to eclipse the good moments, or you can start using your daily Sun Spot Sightings to eclipse the darkness. Here's to bright days ahead!