The Gifts of Contrast Part I
Just the other day it was a beautiful, sunny, almost 50 degree winter day. I was so layered up for my hike that I ended up removing my hat, scarf and jacket so I was down to a tank top in January in Michigan. The sun was glorious and I was excited to get fresh air and vitamin D. I was so happy to be surrounded by some of my favorite friends. We laughed hard, built a snowman, and I had good, clean energy all day.
Today I woke up achy, fatigued after a restless night's sleep, and there was sleet coming down on my drive into work. It was so windy that my door blew open as I was getting out of the car. Saturday was perfect! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyday was like that. Or would it?
My mind started to imagine what life would be like if every day was like Saturday. To be hugged by the trees, frolicking in the snow, and at ease with people we love.
Is that what I really want, though? My boys and I love swimming in Lake Michigan, biking through the neighborhood, and sticky hot days at our friend’s pool. The beauty of living in a state like Michigan is that we experience different types of gloriousness, and let’s face it, when the kids get out of school for the summer, we would miss the pool and be bored with the snow.
It is the contrast of seasons and days in Michigan that makes us appreciate each season for what it is. So what is my point? Think about some of the ways you are dissatisfied with parts of life. I wish my students would get off their phones, I just want to feel energized and happy all the time, I only want to enjoy my time with my partner or sibling, not fight with them. All of these situations give me a choice. I can be annoyed every time I have to record grades, or I can appreciate the opportunities to be creative and design fun lessons that support the creative side of me. It is my choice what I focus on and how I choose to react to elements of my life. Contrast can give us clarity on what we do want in life and oftentimes can help us see how to get it.
I am not saying don’t feel strong emotions. Feel the emotions, get angry, frustrated, bored, resentful. Just make sure that you don’t get stuck there. If you experience loss, death, disease or unexpected change, feel what comes up for you. In this life you will experience strong emotions. I am just asking that you seek to make meaning and focus on any blessings that emerge. If not, the alternative is to stay stuck and in the negative.
This is the first part of this blog. That is enough for today. The rest will follow next week. Stay tuned:)
Here is something to think about…
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